Distribution firm builds success with brick customer thanks to bespoke Thorworld ramp

Logistics companies know first-hand that Thorworld Industries can design and installing ramps to suit individual customer requirements, so one of our customers in the distribution sector did not hesitate to choose when it required a bespoke solution to support a leading manufacturer of brick pigments and paints.  

The customer presented an interesting challenge; to ensure the smooth and gentle loading and unloading of bags weighing one tonne each. The way the bags were stacked, and more importantly their weight, meant that a forklift was needed to drive freely into the container. It was clear that a non-standard ramp, with an extra-long straight section, was required to avoid the delicate cargo from hitting the container roof.

After Thorworld’s agent Loading Bay Service visited the site, our technical team, led by Ian Langan, designed a ramp with bespoke features, tailored to this specific challenge. The result was a Type 11 loading ramp with a capacity of 7,000 kilograms, but with a longer levelling section (2.4m instead of the standard 1.84m). This means that, if the pallets in the container are right on the roof, the forklift truck can safely remove them before starting to descend.

Before the arrival of the Thorworld ramp, their set-up meant they could only unload one customer container a day. If multiple containers were delivered in one day, the customer had to stagger their arrival. With the ramp from Thorworld they now work more efficiently and can handle more.  The customer has reported they now regularly unloading five containers a week.  

During this process, Thorworld rented a standard ramp to the customer while the bespoke ramp was being produced.

"The ramp can be easily moved around the yard when needed yet is securely in place. The customer has also commented on the strength and quality of the ramp, and we are delighted that this bespoke Type 11 ramp has become an integral part of their forward-thinking operations," said Warren Craig of Loading Bay Service.

Thorworld Industries' ability to design, manufacture and install ramps according to specific needs made it the ideal choice for a bespoke solution for safety and increased productivity in handling and controlling loads being loaded/unloaded into and out of vehicles.

Published: 02/01/2024