Built for the job

A new double deck scissor lift modular dock pod designed, manufactured and installed by Easilift has significantly increased loading/unloading efficiency for the TIC Retail Accessories Group. 

Often referred to as 'reverse logistics', the types of goods that are brought back include high-volume, re-usable retail accessories such as coat hangers and security tags.

TIC Retail Accessories pioneered the concept of hanger re-use, which is now becoming increasingly accepted internationally, particularly by more enlightened retailers, because of the financial and environmental considerations.

In addition to the supply of new 'virgin' hangers to the UK market, in early 2009 TIC Group Europe began to handle returns of used hangers that are then sorted, reprocessed and fed back into the supply chain - thus reducing the need for new hanger manufacturing.

In order to solve the loading/unloading problem with a new used hanger processing contract, on behalf of a major retail customer whose vehicle fleet was moving over to double deck trailers, the TIC Group approached two loading bay equipment suppliers, including Easilift, to advise on the most suitable double deck solution.

Now increasingly being used for goods transportation, double deck trailers provide significant cost saving and environmental benefits - optimising operational flexibility, increasing load volumes, cutting unnecessary journeys and mileage and reducing fleet sizes.

It is claimed that, typically, a fixed double deck trailer operating in a retail environment can carry around 70 per cent more goods than a conventional single deck version, achieving up to 40 per cent transport cost savings.

The subsequent decision by TIC to choose Easilift Loading System's purpose-designed double deck scissor lift modular dock solution was clear cut.

TIC Group operations manager,Mark O'Sullivan, says: "Selecting Easilift for this project was made even easier for us by the very positive approach of their people - they were highly professional, demonstrating integrity, enthusiasm and a real interest in what we were trying to achieve; as well as portraying an in-depth industry knowledge, together with an extremely strong belief in their product.

"During meetings with Easilift sales director, David Whyatt, and his team we felt that they made a real effort to determine exactly the right solution that would benefit us most. Cost for us was not the only factor to be taken into account." The third party processor selected by TIC to undertake the refurbished coat hanger contract had to be in a position to make the earliest possible start at their premises in Sheffield and therefore needed a very quick project completion from Easilift.

The solution

The TIC dock pod is equipped with an Easilift Double Deck PowerLift 12 cage 6,000kg capacity scissor lift loading platform - suitable for use with double deck trailers, smaller vehicles with low body height or conventional single deck trailers.

Also fitted with an Easilift PowerShelter 403016 collapsible curtain type dock shelter forming a seal between the loading bay and the docked trailer, the pod features LED low energy dock lights incorporating movement sensors.

The company says: "The new concept double deck scissor lift dock pod developed specifically for TIC was based on wellproven, tried and tested Easilift technology, with design, installation and subsequent on-site training carried out by the company's highly experienced in-house team."

Getting on with the job

O'Sullivan adds: "We would not have been able to meet the specialised loading/unloading requirements of this particular new contract without the double deck lift and it should now provide us with a very strong competitive advantage for any similar future business opportunities.

"The Easilift team just got on with the job, while always keeping us fully in the picture at all stages - but, importantly, without demanding too much of our valuable time.

"Our processing partner was also extremely pleased with the speed and efficiency of the short two day installation process, which did not impact in any way on their business operations and they were able to continue completely as normal whilst the work was being carried out.

"The new double deck scissor lift dock pod is the perfect solution to our needs and the staff are now confident and very happy using it following an extensive day's on-site training from Easilift. It means we can now service any vehicles and trailers in our customer's fleet. I would have no hesitation in recommending Easilift and using them on future projects."