Combilift – One Big Boost For A1M Timber Frame

A1M Timber Frame is leaving nothing to chance when it comes to its material handling operations, and has invested in a C4000 4 tonne Combilift 4-way forklift for its new premises in Thurrock in the Thames Gateway.

Simplifying Operations

Having seen a Combilift at a trade show, Jim Johnstone of A1M recognised that the flexibility and 4-way operation of just one truck would answer the problems, saving expenditure on multiple forklifts and simplifying operations.  He realised early on that a counterbalance forklift and a sideloader would be required to get deliveries of stock into the new factory, particularly the 15m long I-beams. "Trying to manoeuvre these loads into the factory with a counterbalance truck is like trying to walk through narrow doorways with your arms outstretched!" is how he describes the procedure.

Excellent Manoeuvrability

A1M supply open panel system timber frame walls, floor cassettes and roof trusses to a nationwide customer base.  The raw materials and finished components vary in size and weight, ranging from 2.4m x 4.8m panels, the aforementioned I-beams weighing in at 1.5 tonnes per pack, 3 tonne loads of timber and very bulky roof trusses.  The Combilift easily offloads, stores and reloads all of these and its excellent maoeuvrability enables exact positioning at the cutting machines.  Its ability to block stack, unlike a conventional sideloader, has also enabled very efficient use of storage space.  Resting large loads on the truck's platform is also a much safer procedure than precarious balancing acts with a counterbalance forklift.

Versatile Capabilities

With the Combilift's 4-way system, stock can now be efficiently stacked, making life a lot easier as Jim explains: "The Combilift has made a significant difference to our operations here. It's a universal forklift, copes with all our handling needs, and leaves us free to develop our business."  A watertight handling system based on the versatile capabilities of the Combilift will enable A1M to keep up with the increased quantities of stock that will be needed for the company's predicted growth.