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A unique selling proposition

25 November 2024

Q&A with Stephen Burton, Managing Director, Windsor Materials Handling.

Q What is your company’s USP?

A Windsor Materials Handling’s unique selling proposition is its customer-focused service, backed by nearly five decades of expertise in the materials handling industry. As the UK’s largest independently owned materials handling company, Windsor offers personalised support through its 13-branch network, ensuring quick and reliable service nationwide. We take pride in our ability to deliver innovative solutions tailored to our customers’ specifi c needs through our multi-brand offering and ability to create solutions that put the needs of our customers first.

Q Tell us about your recent innovations?

A Recently, we have expanded our service offerings by integrating advanced technologies into our operations. This includes enhancing our maintenance and service capabilities with remote diagnostics, predictive maintenance, and intelligent fleet management solutions. These innovations help reduce downtime and boost productivity for our customers.

Furthermore, we are exploring the use of energy-efficient equipment and expanding our range of electric machinery to address the growing demand for sustainable operations in warehousing and logistics.

Q What challenges do your customers face and how are you helping them respond?

A Our customers face challenges such as rising operational costs, increasing efficiency demands, and adapting to stricter environmental regulations. One significant challenge is the pressure to transition from internal combustion (IC) engines to electric equipment due to environmental concerns and regulatory requirements. Windsor supports customers by consulting at every stage of this transition process.

We provide guidance on selecting the right electric equipment, help with infrastructure planning for charging points, and offer training and support to ensure a smooth transition. Additionally, we provide equipment solutions that reduce energy consumption and lower maintenance costs, enhancing overall operational efficiency.

Q What are you doing to meet sustainability objectives?

A We are committed to sustainability, with a focus on reducing the environmental impact of both our operations and those of our customers. One of our key initiatives is our recent partnership with Axiom Solutions, a powerful cloud-based platform that helps businesses monitor, analyse, and improve their sustainability performance. Through this partnership, we assist customers in setting sustainability goals using expert gap analysis and developing a Net Zero strategy. We support them in achieving carbon neutrality by reviewing Scopes 1, 2, and 3 emissions and implementing sustainable procurement practices to cut Scope 3 emissions throughout the supply chain. These initiatives, combined with expanding our energy-efficient product offerings, position Windsor as a leader in sustainable materials handling.

Q What trends have you seen in your sector this year?

A In 2024, we observed several key trends in the materials handling and logistics sectors, particularly the increasing emphasis on automation, electrification, and sustainability. Companies are striving to reduce their carbon footprint, leading to a higher demand for electric vehicles and energy-efficient equipment. There is also a growing need for smarter, data-driven solutions like telematics that allow better fleet management and predictive maintenance. The labour shortage continues to drive the need for automation to maximise productivity and optimise warehouse and logistics operations.

Q What is the latest news from your company?

A The latest news from Windsor includes our ongoing expansion across the UK with enhanced service offerings in fl eet management and sustainability solutions. We are proud to announce that we are now the sole UK dealer for CVS Ferrari, a leading manufacturer of heavy-duty container handling equipment. This partnership allows us to offer top-of-the-range solutions for port and terminal operations, supported by comprehensive after-sales service.

WINDSOR MATERIALS HANDLING

8 Beacon Way, Hull, HU3 4AE

Tel: 01482 329996

Web: windsor-mh.co.uk

WINDSOR AND PREMIER MODULAR: A THREE DECADE-LONG PARTNERSHIP FOR SUSTAINABLE GROWTH

Windsor Materials Handling has been a pivotal partner for Premier Modular for almost three decades, providing operational critical materials handling equipment and maintenance services throughout their growth towards becoming one of the UK’s leading offsite modular building specialists.

Based in the UK and Europe, Premier Modular provides permanent and temporary solutions to organisations in multiple sectors including healthcare, education, commercial and industrial, and infrastructure. The modular specialist forms part of Premier Modular Group alongside sister companies Net Zero Buildings and Net Zero Panels.

Recognising the increasing importance of sustainability, Premier Modular has been proactive in reducing their environmental impact. In 2021, they implemented a comprehensive carbon reduction plan aiming to achieve net zero emissions by 2035. This initiative underscores their leadership in the modular construction industry and commitment to energy-efficient practices that benefit customers, investors, and communities.

Strategic Partnership with Windsor Materials Handling

Following a thorough review of their environmental impact and carbon footprint, Premier Modular have been refining their procurement strategy to align with their sustainability goals. A significant milestone in this strategy was the introduction of electric forklift trucks into their manufacturing site operations, facilitated by their long-term partner, Windsor Materials Handling. This step marks substantial progress toward their net zero objectives.

The recent strategic move, Premier Modular replaced two diesel forklifts with two UN V Series Li-ion powered trucks. Alongside the environmental objectives being met, this switch offers several benefits from an operational perspective.

Not only do the UN V Series trucks provide longer operational life, faster charging times, and require less maintenance compared to IC forklifts, leading to improved productivity and reduced downtime they also provide extensive lifetime cost savings. Over time, the lower operating costs and reduced fuel consumption translate to significant cost savings in the region of up to 75% in running costs for Premier Modular.

“Our partnership with Windsor Materials Handling has been instrumental in our journey towards sustainability and operational excellence. Over the past decade, Windsor has consistently provided exceptional service and maintenance for our materials handling equipment. Their team is always there when we need them, ensuring minimal downtime and keeping our operations running smoothly. Windsor's responsiveness and expertise have been particularly evident in our recent transition to UN V Series Li-ion powered trucks. The seamless integration and ongoing support have allowed us to reap the benefits of this new technology without any disruptions. We value Windsor not just as a service provider, but as a trusted partner committed to our success and sustainability goals. Their dedication and reliability make them an indispensable part of our operations." says Chris Brighton, Manufacturing Director from Premier Modular.

The partnership between Windsor Materials Handling and Premier Modular exemplifies how strategic collaboration can drive industry- leading sustainability initiatives. By leveraging Windsor’s expertise in materials handling and maintenance, Premier Modular continues to innovate in the offsite construction sector, delivering high-quality, energy-efficient modular buildings.

The recent switch to UN V Series Li-ion powered trucks highlights Premier Modular's dedication to advancing their sustainability goals and achieving net zero emissions. This case study highlights the critical role of long-term partnerships in achieving ambitious environmental goals and fostering sustainable growth.

 
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