News

News tag

Carrylift have for many years now been adhering to the guidelines and ethos of the Real Living Wage. We are proud to be accredited today as a Real Living Wage Employer. We  firmly believing that a hard day’s work deserves a fair day’s pay. Our salaries are based on the costs of living, not the legal minimum, and are reviewed annually in line with the Living Wage Foundation. 

News tag

Carrylift prides itself on developing the right solution for the right application. Some solutions often include a variety of different types of equipment from specialist manufacturers providing customers with increased levels of flexibility and productivity. This is just one of many reasons why our customers remain loyal to our business returning time and time again. Founded in 1955, Seacon began life as Sea & Continental Waterways Transport Ltd, offering door-to-door transport solutions to its customers and has continued to do so for over half a century. Today, the family-owned business prides itself in offering the complete discharging, warehousing, transportation and loading services for shippers of neo-bulk cargo such as Steel, Metals and Forest products. Key equipment for their operation is the MAFI terminal tractors. Flexible enough to handle the varied requirements, the tractors also have the pulling power to handle metals, often steel and four tonnes lead blocks from Australia, or Russian-made ingots which are craned off the ships directly onto the trailer beds and destined for a nearby refinery. “We have to be open-minded when looking for equipment for our customer, it has to be suitable for operation and if we provide refurbished equipment it has to be of a quality guaranteeing satisfaction and complete reliability,” says Carrylift’s Sean Roberts. “It is not always easy to provide quality refurbished equipment, however on this occasion due to our expertise and knowledge of the market place we were able to source three units of quality that were fully refurbished to a very high standard. Our customer now has the use of three excellent trucks that do the job for the same cost of one new truck. “We rely on our MAFI tractors every day,” says Operations Manager, Mark Newman. “It’s a system that has served us well for years, at least since we purchased the previous fleet from Carrylift 15 years ago. That equipment was so durable that we knew we wanted the same this time.” The MAFI’s work around eight hours a day on a single shift operation between 7am and 5.30pm. Even as the demands on the company change, the MAFI fleet has remained fit for purpose.

News tag

Carrylift in partnership with CALOR There’s no avoiding it, we must begin to make greener choices for our future So let’s talk Futuria Liquid Gas. It’s renewable. It’s sustainable. It’s made from a blend of waste, residues and sustainably sourced materials, and is a step in the green direction. Futuria Liquid Gas, a biopropane, is chemically identical to LPG and is compatible with all LPG products, but this gas has a greener twist. This means that Futuria Liquid Gas has absolutely no compromise on performance, so it’s as energy efficient as LPG, whilst supporting us all to achieve a greener tomorrow. It’s a no brainer for Carrylift. With CALOR Futuria Liquid Gas, we can now do your bit for the environment, whilst providing reliable and sustainable energy. Recently CALOR representatives joined us here at our Skelmersdale site to present Carrylift with their Green Gas Certificate, following the signing of the agreement for CALOR to provide Carrylift with Futuria Liquid Gas for our short term hire fleet moving forward. This certificate will be displayed in all of the Carrylift depots to highlight our commitment to this greener cause. Carrylift also provided CALOR with a new TCM LPG forklift truck for their stand featured at the IMHX Exhibition that took place at the NEC, Birmingham 24th – 27th September 2019. The new truck was wrapped in green to emphasise the ‘Green’ concept to the visitors and will be a feature on CALOR’s media campaign thereafter.

News tag

Whilst being the UK’s leading bed brand with a history dating back to the 1940s, Silentnight have not rested on their laurels and are always looking to pioneer, innovate, challenge designs, produce and deliver market-leading products. For example, its latest Eco Comfort Breathe mattress range features an innovative Micro climate Sleep System to produce perfect sleeping conditions. The system includes breathable and clean materials that are chemical treatment free, and incredibly, contains materials from 150 recycled bottles in every mattress. Silentnight’s Mick Berry commented “We are committed to reducing waste and are proud to be a carbon neutral business. We have been absolute zero to landfill since 01st September 2018 with 100% of waste generated from our Barnoldswick site being recycled.” Carrylift’s approach to customer partnerships means our ultimate focus is to problem solve for customers such as Silentnight. We provide not only world-leading equipment but original solutions to satisfy all materials handling needs including reduction of all types of waste. With expert support from partner Bergmann, Carrylift provided Silentnight with specialist machines which compact and crush wood, card and plastics ready for recycling. The crusher has reduced the number of skip movements required on site by 75 percent. “We’ve been very happy with the service we receive from Carrylift,” says Silentnight’s Mick Berry.

News tag

A Potential New Customer has approached the Carrylift Group with a request to help provide a solution to improve their method of handling paper reels with particular focus on Health & Safety, Carrylift took on the challenge. The objective was to come up with a solution to remove the ‘manual’ element of movement of paper reels weighing anything up to 150kg in weight. With fantastic technical support from Carrylift’s partner ‘ROBUR’ a detailed site survey was carried out which identified all elements of the task in hand and the final solution required to give our client what they needed. A specialist piece of equipment for this method of handling was put forward and submitted to our client as a perfect solution to their requirement. Carrylift demonstrated how the truck and the proposed solution (Counter Balanced Pedestrian stacker with Core Expander) would not only be effective in their area of major concern, but would also enable our client to utilise the concept within 80% of their operation. By providing this equipment and concept our client would benefit from its flexibility, and removing the need for additional Manual Handing Equipment currently in use. Operations Manager Peter stated “Since the Robur machine has arrived on site it has put my mind at ease in terms of handling our pre-print paper reel handling, and we will definitely utilise this machine even more in the future for post print reels.” He went on to say, “This new method of handling the reels makes the environment safer whilst avoiding potential reel damage”. Peter also stated “The machine speed settings are infinitely variable and we have therefore set them according to our environment”.Carrylift were delighted to be able to provide a solution to their new customer’s needs.

News tag

Carrylift prides itself on developing the right solution for the right application. At the North Shields site of Formica Group, Carrylift’s ability to provide and maintain all manner of equipment has helped establish a strong and enviable working partnership. Formica Group is a leading provider of branded, designed surfacing solutions for commercial and residential customers worldwide. As the world’s largest manufacturer of High Pressure Laminate (HPL), the company has a network of design, manufacturing, distribution and sales operations maintaining the recognition of Formica as a global brand. At the heart of all Formica’s MHE activity is Senior European Category Manager, Steve Betts. Steve has been coordinating MHE as part of a project over three years, with £40m investment in staff and facilities in the UK plant and head office. The project has seen considerable investment in new MHE equipment, extensive new production machines and upgrades to the building fabric. Says Steve, “Processes have been streamlined and production is more efficient, and environmentally sensitive than it has ever been.” He goes onto say “Working closely with Tony Forrester at Carrylift to improve our material workflow has been an important part of that.” Despite being the incumbent supplier for many years, Carrylift were also part of the new tender process, undertaken before the MHE upgrades got underway. Three intense rounds of tendering, looking at service delivery, first time fix KPI’s and, of course commercial matter’s, meant a full audit and financial exercise was undertaken. The cumulative effect, however, cannot be understated. “As a result of the work here,” says Steve, “we will be advising sites elsewhere in the world on how we are doing things faster, safer and, ultimately, cheaper.”

News tag

Lots of people can hire or sell you a forklift… All will tell you they’re the best.  But few, if any, can back that up with solid evidence. We can. Carrylift Materials Handling Ltd (Skelmersdale depot) has become one of the first companies in the UK to be awarded the national certificate of compliance from the country’s foremost authority on materials handling: the Fork Lift Truck Association (FLTA). As members of the Fork Lift Truck Association, Carrylift Materials Handling abides by a stringent Code of Practice. The Code is evidence that we are competent to offer expert advice and specify the most appropriate equipment. It means we deliver robust, prompt service support, carried out by fully trained engineers, use high quality parts and are backed by insurance cover of more than £5M. Underpinning that Code is the FLTA’s rigorous Audit. Developed specifically for the fork lift truck industry, it is unlike many accreditation’s that use an on-line questionnaire. Instead, a Quality Manager from the FLTA undertakes a physical on-site visit to inspect more than 100 criteria, across the areas of health and safety, environmental procedures and working practices. FLTA Quality Manager Lee Medway carried out the audit. He explains why the process is so important to Carrylift Materials Handling “The audit is designed to give customers real peace of mind, as an audited company, they know that Carrylift Materials Handling – Skelmersdale depot has measured up to an industry-led health check, works to standards demonstrably higher than non-compliant companies and removes a potentially weak link in your chain of traceability and accountability.” Why would you settle for anything less?

News tag

Carrylift take great pride in being a logistics and distribution solutions provider, so it is fitting we have the ability to provide world class equipment such as the Kalmar T2 Terminal Tractor range. These powerful tractors have been designed by Kalmar to give customers exactly what they asked for following feedback gained through many years of market experience.The five main areas these valued customers recommended Kalmar to focus on to ensure the T2 is undoubtedly a market leading product were: 1. Flexibility and choice.2. Ease of maintenance.3. An excellent cabin for operators.4. Safety being a priority.5. More economical for operational use. All of these have been addresses as follows: • Full height cab and door – easy access for all operators.• Step free working plane – rear deck at the same level as the cab.• Pillarless forward visibility – No “A” Pillar ensures blindspot free vision.• 129kW moving 65 tonnes – why pay for power you don’t need with fuel you do have to pay for?• Power up and Power down Boom – absolute control for the most fragile of loads.• Fully LOLER compliant lifting system – peace of mind that’s audited annually.• 2 Year, 4000 hour warranty. Call us on 0808 100 2760 to receive further details or to hire a machine.

News tag

Carrylift are pleased to announce the launch of the new TCM 80 Volt Electric 4 wheel counterbalance forklift truck. This new FHB-F1 series model ranges from 2.5-3.5 ton capacity and has a rugged TCM build quality, is simple to use with an effective design.With a One-spoke steering wheel, Sealed wet disc brakes, Integrated presence system and Cleverly angled counterweight, every aspect of this new design maximises safety and driver’s visibility. No expensive gimmicks, just great truck design. • High residual capacity up to 7m lifting height, industry-leading with excellent stability of height.• A compact chassis with outstanding manoeuvrability, the rear axle steers through a full 100°, with dual drive motors for instant, smooth turning on the spot and no initial ‘push’.• Feather touch steering provides ‘on-demand’ results with up to 20% energy savings, extending shift capability and increasing overall productivity.• Intelligent ‘Curve Control’ automatically adjusts truck speed according to steer angle for increased operator and site safety, improved productivity and reduced tyre wear.• Unique four-wheel steering from a combination of intelligent software and counter rotating drive wheels, offers extreme agility – with no pressure on steer wheels – whilst maintaining industry leading capacities. These are just a few of the list of features on the new FHB-F1 truck that prove that this is indeed a forklift truck built for all applications that can compete with IC Engine products whilst providing increased driver comfort. For further information please call us now on 0808 100 2760

News tag

VIP Computers A Warrington based company, is one of Britain’s largest independent distributors of computer hardware.Following consistent growth, strategic acquisitions and mergers the company has expanded considerably. Their Warrington Head Office site with a 72,000 sq ft distribution and picking centre is a perfect example of this progression. Rob Buchan, a mainstay of VIP’s business is the Operations Manager and the man charged with keeping the distribution side running efficiently.“My aim is twofold,” said Rob, “maximise pallet storage and save money for the company.” With 2,500 pallet locations in the main building, we made a decision to expand (’next door’), as Rob said, with a brand new £1.6 million warehouse adding another 5,000 locations. The new extension allowed Rob to further improve the concept of mixed storage and picking, installing 10m high racking enabling pallet loads to be stacked five high supported by 4 x Magaziner Very Narrow Aisle (VNA) turret trucks, otherwise known as man-up order pickers. Carrylift’s Senior Sales Executive Geoff Pearson believes the equipment provides the best option, as well as a high degree of reliability.“It is a technical type of kit,” adds Rob. “It’s been upgraded but our operators are familiar with it, and the equipment we’ve had from Carrylift has always been up to the job”. TCM four-wheel Electric Counterbalance and Electric Powered Pallet trucks, all in company colours, make up the rest of the fleet.

News tag

Manchester United At Carrylift Material Handling we take great pride in providing the highest standard of equipment to all of our customers no matter who they are. The after-service we deliver is comparable to anybody within our industry and with the excellent support services and infrastructure we have to offer, we remain one of the best MHE companies in the UK. Last year we were approached by Manchester United for Driver Training via our New Business Telesales Team, who established Driver Training wasn’t the only requirement Manchester United had. We were presented with an opportunity to look at problems experienced with logistics on match days, a challenge we gladly accepted. After several visits and discussions, we were able to offer a solution to help them with match day logistics to cater for such a large number of supporters. Over a number of months, we decided on the right vehicle with a bespoke trailer, continuous meetings kept the customer fully informed of the progress. With final preparations completed, a party from Manchester United visited our Skelmersdale Head Office to view the final solution. We were able to demonstrate the Electric Vehicle and modified Trailer would do everything required on match days, but more importantly, we demonstrated we had listened and understood their requirements. Carrylift have now delivered the Electric Vehicle and trailer to this iconic stadium where tens of thousands of supporters will be catered for on match days. To ensure that we build on this successful relationship as an approved supplier, we’ll be the first to provide them with a tailored solution.

News tag

Preparation for Brexit With post-Brexit uncertainty and impending change inevitable, Carrylift have taken measures to make provisions to ensure they continue to provide for all customer needs. Brexit is scheduled to take place at 11pm on Friday 29th March 2019. The Port of Dover alone handles £120 billion in imports and exports (17% of Britain’s total). Coupled with the Eurotunnel’s 24/7 service, carrying around 25% of trade within the EU, there is little doubt that the introduction of even the most basic customs checks will cause delays. There will inevitably be changes at the Ports to the customs procedures required for EU imports and exports. Right now it is unsure how these changes will be rolled out. With lengthier procedures and more rigorous checks at customs, activity is only going to increase both at the ports and in the surrounding roads. Due the economic crisis ten years ago, the forklift truck industry like many others suffered as a direct result of the uncertainty that was created at that time. We learned at that time that the customer then needed a number of solutions in order to fill their material handling requirements.

News tag

Carrylift Partner: Eddie Stobart A team from Carrylift recently accompanied their partner Eddie Stobart to the new Combilift manufacturing facility in Ireland. The parties were there to celebrate the 100th Aisle-Master truck  produced for Eddie Stobart being built on the production line. This machine will be displayed for a time at the company’s service support centre in Warrington before being put to work in one of its busy operations. Eddie Stobart acquired its first Aisle-Master for its Contract Logistics and Warehousing Division which operates over six million sq ft of high quality state-of-the-art storage facilities. It is strategically located around major transport hubs across the UK. In the subsequent six years it has consistently expanded its fleet and the Aisle-Masters are in operation at eight of Eddie Stobart’s warehouses across the country supported by Carrylift, from Glasgow to London. Following changes in the Eddie Stobart business model and coupled with an increase in customer demand, a decision was made to introduce the Aisle-Master product into the operation.

News tag

The Bowker Group is an international transport company with a long and distinguished history. Tracing its roots back to 1919, it was there when the road transport industry first began.  The first overnight shipper of fruit between Liverpool Docks and Covenant Garden, and one of the first to operate between the UK, Holland and Belgium.  Today it operates over 150 vehicles and has over 40,000m’ of warehousing. Providing a comprehensive range of dedicated and shaped-user warehousing services, the business is based in Preston, Blackburn and Hull.  Bowker operate one of the region’s largest and most modern fleets comprising of 44t tractors, 26t and 18t rigid vehicles which are equipped with 1500kg rated tail lifts, reversing cameras and proximity sensors. Importance of Flexibility The entire UK fleet is tracked by satellite which not only provides online visibility of the vehicles but also the facility to use the motorway camera network and matrix warning signs to proactively monitor traffic conditions and avoid any potential delays. Balancing space availability with a high degree of site utilisation, the company, according to warehouse manager, Stuart Greenwood, is potentially ‘one call away’ from a customer requirement for 100k square feet.  “We’re constantly receiving quotes and getting business in'” adds Stuart.  “The need for us to stay operationally ready is always there.”  As if to prove the point, Stuart describes a recent situation.  “We had an enquiry on a Wednesday to move 200 tonnes of product for a customer the next morning at 7am.  A call to Carrylift resulted in a hire truck, in and working, by 8.30am on Thursday.” Transformation Carrylift knows well that respect for Bowker’s business makes it an influential partner.  A Carrylift source said “We value all our customers greatly, but we are particularly proud of the work we’ve done with Stuart and the team.  They understand their business well and are willing to invest in their expanding operation whilst keeping a keen eye on the costs.  We feel it makes our products and services an ideal choice.” The relationship with Carrylift began in 2005 when articulating forklift trucks were first brought in.  The trucks’ ability to articulate, allows them to operate in a smaller aisle width, which in turn leads to greater storage density.  It’s a move that proved transformational (“We’ve never been without them,” adds Stuart), as the racking set up was changed to take advantage of the trucks’ capabilities and make the most of the available space. From then on, the opportunity for Carrylift to impress with their service back up and attention to detail paved the way for a new conversation on the rest of the forklift fleet.  “We are not the sort of company to mix and match suppliers,” adds Stuart.  “All our lorries are Volvos, and we have to justify to our management team and ourselves if we want to make significant changes like this.”  Perhaps that long history engenders a more cautious approach, but it certainly doesn’t prompt sentimentality.