Linx Printing Technologies Enhances Warehouse Safety and Productivity With Cat ® Mini Order Pickers
Linx Printing Technologies has invested in two Cat Mini Order Pickers from long-term material handling equipment supplier Impact Handling, part of Aprolis UK, to enhance safety and efficiency across its UK warehouse operations.
The leading UK-based manufacturer of industrial coding machines has worked closely with Impact Handling for several years, during which time it has supplied a wide range of MHE equipment to support Linx’ s evolving operations, including flexi trucks, counterbalance trucks and electric pallet stackers.
When Brian Fowler, EHS Adviser at Linx Printing Technologies, began reviewing how to further enhance safety within the company’ s warehousing operations across its two sites, Impact Handling was a natural first point of contact. Following an internal risk assessment, Linx identified the need to replace the mobile warehouse safety steps that were being used.
After discussing Linx’ s requirements, Impact Handling recommended its Cat Mini Order Picker / Work Assist Vehicle range. As part of the wider Cat EQ Lithium product line – which also includes power pallet trucks, and compact stackers – the Mini Order Pickers provided excellent stability, ease of use and precise control in warehousing operations, whereas previously, warehouse operatives utilised manually manoeuvred mobile steps to pick and store stock at height.
While incidents were rare, the risk assessment highlighted several concerns, particularly staff reaching from the top of the steps to access stock, limited stability, and difficulties maintaining safe points of contact while carrying loads which posed unnecessary risks.
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Featuring a stable mast and chassis with built in safety interlocks, the Cat Mini Order Pickers’ manoeuvrable, self propelled design makes them ideal for confined warehouse environments, improving both productivity and safety by enabling operators to handle heavier loads at height with greater control and reduced risk.
Crucially for Linx, the frontmounted carry plates allow operators to move multiple cartons at height in a controlled and stable way, improving both safety and picking efficiency. Thanks to its stable mast and robust chassis, the platform can be safely elevated to 3 metres, allowing operators to pick items up to 5 metres high.
For a company working with ink production and hazardous chemicals, Brian Fowler viewed these solutions as a safer approach that also helped streamline day-today operations.
He commented:“ From the very first discussion, Impact Handling clearly understood the challenges we were facing and quickly recommended the solution that was the perfect fit for our operation.