Facilitating growth

Logistics company Knights of Old boosts efficiency by investing in materials handling kit from Briggs Equipment at its new facility in Hertfordshire

Knights of Old invested in equipment and service supplied by Briggs Equipment to help the distribution firm expand its operations to accommodate a new agreement with a major client.

Ian Beattie, managing director at Knights of Old, explains: "We recently signed an agreement with a major customer with very specific requirements when it comes to storage and distribution of their products, including extremely tight turnaround times.

"As a result we provide full warehousing and logistical services to the client on their own site. In addition the site is used as a platform for Knights of Old's distribution activities in the South East.

"The half a million pound warehouse development in Hitchin, Hertfordshire has created 30 new jobs and was set up within three months, becoming operational in March 2011." As well as supplying materials handling equipment, Briggs played a key role in the development of the site, working in partnership with warehouse racking firm Dexion.

As a result, the Hitchin warehouse was completed on time and on budget and now handles around 30 truckloads of products per week for the client. To cope with the demanding workload Briggs has supplied four Yale MP20X stand-in pallet trucks, two Yale ERP25VL 2.5 tonne electric counterbalance trucks, a scissor lift, two Narrow Aisle VNA Flexi machines and a Nilfisk sweeper.

Jason Rudkin, national account manager for Briggs Equipment, says: "All of the machines supplied to the Northampton and Hitchin sites include our award-winning Speedshield and BE Fleet systems to significantly reduce overall operational costs.

"We have also fitted the electric-powered trucks with the latest Hoppecke trak air batteries and installed state-of-the-art high frequency chargers to further cut energy costs and reduce harmful C02 emissions." According to Ian, the systems now in place have the potential to deliver an efficient operation over the duration of the contract.

Cost containment and, if possible, cost reduction, along with offering first class service, are a core focus of the business.

"Across both the Kettering and Hitchin sites, we handle more than 2,000 pallets per day and this puts tremendous pressure on our equipment. BE Fleet enables us to monitor the performance of the MHE fleet, giving us an early indication of potential problems. As a result we can identify areas for improvement and implement any operator training that may be necessary.

"The system reduces the cost of wear and tear on the vehicles and improves efficiency which over a number of years can equate to further significant cost savings.

"Furthermore the trak air batteries and high frequency chargers are up to 25 per cent more energy efficient than traditional systems and with energy costs as high as they are, it's easy to see how the savings can be made." Many also feature the latest techtonix 100 transmission for improved safety. The innovative system automatically engages the brakes on trucks when the driver takes his foot off the accelerator, reducing the risk of accidents and their associated costs, including damage to goods and equipment, downtime and exposure to compensation claims." Knights of Old has has seen its annual turnover increase from around £7 million to more than £30m in the six year period of its relationship with Briggs Equipment. Throughout this period of dramatic growth, the logistics firm has relied on Briggs to provide a fleet of forklift trucks and associated equipment for its main distribution and warehousing centre in Kettering, Northamptonshire.

Most recently Briggs supplied the main dc with 10 Yale GLP25VX 2.5 tonne gas powered counterbalance trucks, Yale ERP35VL and ERP20VT electric counterbalance trucks and a 4 tonne gas counter balance truck. A Terberg shunter machine and three Nilfisk sweepers complete the new line up.

The trucks and equipment are part of a three-year deal that will also see Briggs provide ongoing service and support for the Yale trucks that are managed through the firm's BE Fleet system.

Jason explains: "Over recent years we have built up an excellent relationship with Knights of Old, helping to ensure the company can provide the very best service to its customers." Ian concludes: "We are very impressed with the Hitchin warehouse and the new Yale machines in operation here and at our Kettering facility. Yet again, Briggs has done us proud in delivering the ideal materials handling solution."