Flowtechnology UK (FTUK), a distributor of hydraulic, pneumatic and industrial fluid products, has invested £500,000 in three additional Kardex lift systems and increased the number of pallet locations at its 100,000ft² distribution centre in Skelmersdale (www.flow-technology.co.uk).

The heavy-duty lifting machines will be used to stock fast-moving heavy-duty products such as malleable iron fittings from 9,000 pick locations; and with each shelf able to hold 500kg, the company now has another 133 tonnes of product storage.

This brings the number of Kardex lift systems at FTUK to 16; it has also freed up space in the distribution centre, creating another 2,000 pallet locations that will be used to stock more products. Marc Borland, FTUK’s logistics director, said:

“We are committed to providing the widest range of stock and the best service in the industry.

Around 75% of our stock is now housed in Kardex lifts, and as operator pick rates are more than twice as fast, this investment means that we can supply more products more efficiently than ever before.”

Tom Findlay, sales director (UK & Ireland) of Kardex Remstar, said: “FTUK has been a valued customer for well over a decade.

“Since the beginning of our relationship in 2005, we have seen how our dynamic storage solutions have played a key role in helping to drive the business forward.”