LIVINGSTON-based Randex has become the UK distributor for pallet handling specialist Palomat.
Account manager Roberta Miller told Packaging Scotland that the partnership developed after Randex identified that many clients had a problem handling and managing pallets around their facilities.
“We were impressed with Palomat’s innovation and range of automated pallet stackers and de-stackers,” Roberta explained. “These systems significantly improve the working environment, preventing injury and potential staff sickness.
“It also saves space, time and generally makes for a tidier, more efficient working environment. These benefits align perfectly with our automated storage and retrieval solutions, making this an excellent partnership. We are delighted to be the UK distributor for Palomat.”
An example of the benefits of Palomat solutions was highlighted recently in Denmark, where the manual lifting of pallets has been eliminated at the shipping department of the Tulip retail packing centre in the town of Herning.
Pallet handling is now automated with a Palomat Greenline automated palletising system, which has reportedly created a better workflow.
The department handles up to six tonnes of pallets a day, which previously had to be lifted manually. According to factory manager Dennis Harder Sørensen, this was taking a physical toll on employees.
“Previously the pallets had to be tipped manually from a stack of 12–13 pallets, which was physically strenuous for our employees. Fortunately, that’s now a thing of the past, because now have a fully automated palletising system that has removed the heavy lifting.
“The new palletising system has of course changed the employees’ workflow but we have retained the same volume as before. The Greenline pallet magazine is actually a cheap solution, and it is a valuable investment for our employees, who now have a better working environment, where they are exposed to fewer work injuries.”
Greenline is a fully automated system that handles all pallets at floor level. All employees are required to do is insert or remove the empty pallets using a forklift truck or hand pallet truck, and the palletising system does the stacking and de-stacking.
Dennis Harder Sørensen added that the system has eliminated the risk of back injuries and resulted in employees who are more satisfied.
“The pallet magazine minimises inconvenience and prevents potential injuries among our employees, who also tell us that they are less tired when they return home from work.”
