Food distributor brings new lift trucks on board
Casebook 2012: Food distributor chooses speedy, reliable equipment paired with quality service.
Kuna Foodservice, a food distribution center based in St. Louis, Mo., recently noted a growth in product volume and the need for more space. So, Kuna purchased a new fleet of lift trucks after a pilot program proved strong and swift performance from the equipment and the dealer’s service representatives.
Whether moving product in a narrow aisle freezer or getting product ready to ship out of the distribution center, Kuna needed lift trucks designed for a high-velocity warehouse. They piloted a moving mast reach truck equipped with three-phase AC technology. The new truck had significantly faster traveling speeds than previous equipment and the moving mast design allowed operators to quickly and efficiently move product. The lift truck’s sit-down style also provided better operator comfort than previous stand-up trucks.
Although the workers loved the speed and comfort of the product, they found it difficult to adjust to how the truck naturally turned the opposite direction of the other trucks that Kuna owned.
“Within a matter of minutes, the service representative from the local dealer was able to program the lift truck to turn the other direction,” says John Schuler, senior vice president and general manager of Kuna.
After the initial trial phase, Kuna purchased three moving mast reach trucks and seven electric walkie end-rider pallet trucks to replace the existing fleet. A 24-hour operation, Kuna relies on the moving mast reach trucks during the day to stock warehouse materials and the walkies at night to fill and load product orders into trucks.
Jungheinrich
877-543-6757
http://www.jungheinrich-lift.com
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