Double pallet handling creates efficiencies

Optimised routes, round the clock operations, high capacity tractor units and versatile distribution vehicles - these may be the tools of the trade for one of the North West’s leading transportation specialists, but a customer-focused ethos is the true key to John K Philips Group success story.

Every business has to start somewhere. For John K Philips, those humble beginnings were John himself driving his own vehicle delivering paint in 1974. From there he has built the business into a hugely successful operation, encompassing the latest operating systems and technologies and utilising modern methods of training and management.

The John K Philips Group Ltd now offers a national delivery service to the paint and chemical industry as well as general UK and European service. The group has a large modern fleet of vehicles driven by fully trained ADR Drivers as well as specialist warehouse facilities with instant load traceability.

The ethos developed from the beginning was that John believed in working in partnership with customers, as well as providing a complete service for all requirements.

"Our customer focus is what helps to set us apart” says John, now the managing director, of a company with a fleet of over 50 vehicles. "We take the need for honesty, professionalism and value for money as vital, and we want our customers to know that we are here to support their operations any way we can.”

From a 250,000 sq/ft warehouse facility to a £60,000 portable canopy which allows drivers to load and unload their lorries under cover, the focus is on providing the means necessary to ensure deliveries are made accurately and efficiently. 

"It’s simple things like these that help us be more efficient. Take the 50 metre long canopy. Thanks to soggy summers and wet winters, we felt as though we were always battling the elements. Now, it’s made the job easier, safer and quicker. Where previously we would back trucks into the warehouse to load and unload, now we cut the turnaround time and provide a better working environment for our staff in the process."

Another area where John is keen to maximise productivity is in his forklift fleet. The recent arrival of three double pallet handling LPG counterbalance trucks from Windsor allows the movement of more stock and reduce downtime, whilst a flexible hire agreement provides an extra level of reassurance if they need to adapt to changing requirements. 

"We have developed a good relationship with the guys,” says sales manager Peter Dennett. "We’ve admired the company’s growth and felt we were well placed to offer the support of a local business with the back-up and expertise of a leading multi-site materials handling supplier.” 

Part of that support involved assessing the needs of the business, and together a decision was reached to add the double pallet handlers to the fleet. it’s a move that has had a huge impact, according to John K Philips’ operations manager Darren Meadows.

"We handle in the region of 500 pallet movements per day," says Darren. "The double pallet handlers have helped us to dramatically reduce the time spent unloading and loading.The forklifts enable us to unload a full 26 pallet trailer with 13 movements, using double pallet handlers - half the usual number. This is especially important when dealing with our Palletforce and Hazchem trucks.” 

With all our operators giving their seal of approval on the equipment, the team were also quick to praise Windsor’s technical abilities. "One of the main reasons we chose Windsor was for their high levels of service’ says Darren ‘Ensuring we’re performing to the highest possible standards is essential in an industry such as ours. Turnaround times are key and whilst we have good working relationships with our customers, there is a lot of competition out there.”

"We understand the issues - we’re a local business too,” adds Peter. "Close at hand if there’s any unplanned requirements, but we know the operation well, so they tend to be few and far between. Our engineering teams are respected and highly thought of, which makes for a great partnership.”

John K Philips are also proud of their local connections. Supporting local businesses and taking on many apprentices - training them to a high standard. It’s just part of the business ethos that has stood them in such good stead. It’s a business model that the founder is no doubt proud of. "We’ve had a lot of support over the years,” concludes John "and it is great to think we are putting something back into the local economy. We like to see the boys work up from apprentices to fully-fledged drivers or forklift operators. Working locally with other businesses meanwhile creates a closer working relationship and also adds an extra level of satisfaction, as well as giving our company a sense of building for the long term. it’s good for our business and good for the local community”

The units allow the movement of more stock and reduce downtime, while a flexible hire agreement provides an extra level of reassurance should the company need to adapt to chaining requirements.

"One of the main reasons we chose Windsor was for their high levels of service," says Darren Meadows, operations manager at John K Phillips. "Ensuring we're performing to the highest possible standards is essential in an industry such as ours."