Elite solution

Space is at a premium at the London premises of Elite Metalcraft and its sister company Elite Structural Steel, both in terms of cost and availability, so the management has ensured the optimum use of warehousing and manufacturing facilities by using a Combilift 4-way forklift to handle lengths of structural and architectural steel.

Elite Structural Steel is the largest supplier of fabricated steelwork in London and Elite Metalcraft specialises in the design and manufacture of feature staircases and ornamental balustrades in a wide range of high quality materials. The materials used in both arms of the business are exceptionally long, and the previous counterbalance truck used for handling operations needed very large areas in which to manoeuvre.

The 4 tonne capacity diesel powered Combilift makes light work of all the materials moved around the site, from small bundles of steel up to 12 or 13m lengths. Sideways travel with long lengths resting on the platform rather than raised travel with a counterbalance forklift is a much safer way to transport potentially hazardous loads, and in this way even the longest products fit easily through the access doors from the outside storage area into the workshop.

The truck's ability to work inside and out, on uneven surfaces and its manoeuvrability for precise positioning of steel at the machining facilities has also speeded up operations.