TPT September 2008

T echnology U pdate

Improved forklift handling of tube and pipe

GPS PE Pipe Systems, UK, operates a total of three Aisle-Master articulated forklifts at itsWalsall-based national distribution centre. Previously, the company had mainly used reach trucks in the 40,000ft² warehouse, but recent changes to the product lines and growth in demand prompted the company to re-evaluate the handling and storage procedures and look for a fresh approach. GPS, a member of the international Aliaxis Group,manufacturespolyethyleneandmulti- layer pipe systems, and is a supplier to the residential, industrial and public sectors. The need for more streamlined operations, better efficiency and best use of available storage capacity led Mr Gliddon to the Aisle- Master range of articulated forklifts. Having taken delivery of the first Aisle-Master in November 2007, it became apparent that major operational changes could be made due to the truck’s ability to work inside and out, on semi-rough terrain and gradients, and in much tighter aisles than the reach trucks. An order for two more electric trucks with 7.6m masts quickly followed, and Aisle-Master supplied two interim hire

vehicles to enable GPS to go ahead with the programme of improvements without interruption. Describing the benefits, Mr Gliddon said, “ We have reconfigured the racking layout, and have got rid of the cumbersome double deep system, so stock location is much easier and quicker. We have also been able to remove higher level pick faces from aisles and introduce more lower level ones which are safer for operators to work from. Cushioned tyres and suspension mean that the expansion joints in the warehouse floor are no longer an issue with the Aisle- Masters – these were causes of a bumpy ride with the old reach trucks, and we can now avoid the added expense of potential damage to trucks and redoing the floor. ” Avoiding use of a mixed fleet also brings benefits, in the form of just one service and maintenance provider – in this case Birmingham based Abex – rather than having to deal with multiple contacts. “ The Aisle-Masters are very reliable, the drivers are very happy with them, and they will cope with any requirement on site, ” commented

Installation of high frequency welded pipe mill T&H Lemont, USA, has installed a model WU60-10 high frequency welded pipe mill for high strength API products. The pipe size range of the WU60 mill is from 2" to 6" OD pipe. The mill is an integral part of a complete welded pipe line to supply API products to North America.

 GPS PE Pipe Systems uses three Aisle-Master articulated forklifts at its UK distribution centre

Mr Gliddon. “ The investment in the three trucks is an integral part of the way forward for increased efficiency all round. We have already planned the future use of two new buildings on site around the abilities of the trucks, where we can adopt the narrow aisle route for an impressive pallet density in a relatively small space. ” The Aisle-Master range incorporates electric and LPG models, works in aisles of just 1.75m, with capacities of up to 2.5 tonnes. Lift heights of up to 12.5m are available. The trucks are designed and manu- factured at the company’s headquarters in Monaghan, Ireland. The Aisle-Master range is designed for optimum operator safety and comfort, incorporating an overhead guard for enhanced driver protection, ergonomic controls, and high quality seating. Aisle-Master Ltd – Ireland Fax : +353 47 80402

T&H Lemont constantly explores new technologies and innovations to reduce production costs and improve productivity, not only for welded tube and pipe industries, but also for the rollforming industry. The company has provided technologies to manu- facture products such as stainless steel hypodermic needles, communication cables, flexible tubular products, hi-strength welded and rollformed shapes and large diameter API pipe.

 The WU60-10 high frequency welded pipe mill

In addition to complete production systems, T&H Lemont provides a variety of components and services to the tube, pipe and rollforming industries. Services include tube and pipe roll design, mill alignment and operational consulting. Components offered include welders, cut-offs, entry equipment, accumulators, pre-punch, post- punch, seam orientation stands, weld boxes, edge conditioner, bead scarfing systems, straightening systems, single point adjustment systems, dedimplers, rolls, blades, jaws and shafts. T&H Lemont – USA Fax : +1 708 482 1801 • Email : sales@thlemont.com • Website : www.thlemont.com

Email : info@aisle-master.com Website : www.aisle-master.com GPS PE Pipe Systems – UK Fax : +44 1480 458829 Website : www.gpsuk.com

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S eptember 2008

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