Combilift four-way sideloaders and Wickens cantilever racking form part of a significant investment at Alexandra Dock, Port of Hull following a long-term stevedoring and logistics agreement between Rix Shipping and Stora Enso UK Ltd.
Rix director James Doyle said the terminal was the main entry point for all of Stora Enso’s timber products from Europe and a system was needed that would speed up and streamline handling, storage and onward distribution.
“We previously free stacked timber, but due to the volumes we now handle, making maximum use of space was a priority, as was a faster picking procedure,” said Mr Doyle.
Co-ordination between all parties enabled the new facility to be up and running within just three months.
Three six-tonne capacity diesel-powered Combilift fourway sideloaders were identified as the most suitable models from Combilift’s range due to their speed across the long runs needed to take packs of timber from the quayside to the warehouse. Their narrow aisle-width capacity was also a consideration.
Mr Doyle estimated that Rix has been able to double its storage capacity compared to the four-pack high limit with the free stacking method.
The Combilifts are fitted with a 7.5m triplex mast for efficient picking at high levels, while a guided aisle system was also specified for faster operations and reduction of damage risk to loads.
Rix has tripled its output over the last 18 months and handles around 300,000m³ a year, almost a third of the total volume handled at the Port of Hull.
