| MORE MEZZANINE SPACE FOR LORLIN ELECTRONICS PRESS
INFORMATION Issue Date: 17 May 2010 Ref: PEN10/15 Electrical
switch manufacturer Lorlin Electronics has made better use of available space
at its factory in Littlehampton by installing a Mezz Lift supplied by Penny Hydraulics
to transfer kits and finished items between ground floor stores and mezzanine
production areas. “We chose the Mezz Lift because it was compact and
easy to use,” says David Murrell, Operations Manager at Lorlin Electronics.
“It has allowed us to better utilise the space we now occupy.” Lorlin
Electronics has manufactured a range of electrical potentiometers and switches
since the 1960s. When some of its leases came to an end recently the company decided
to consolidate two existing factories on to a single site in Littlehampton. The
UK assembly operation was relocated onto the existing mezzanine as part of the
transformation. Component kits prepared in the stores are loaded onto specially
built trolleys and transferred to the assembly area. When both were on the same
floor this was a simple process and the trolleys were sufficient to handle everything.
Although the components and assemblies are relatively light, relocating operations
to the mezzanine meant that some lifting or carrying was required. Lorlin originally
relied on a manual process but recognised that some form mechanical assistance
offered a better long term solution. The company reviewed a number of potential
options. Scissor lifts were considered too expensive and were generally designed
for larger loads than the component kits. Powered conveyors were more cost effective
but took up too much space and required a lot of safety guarding. The company
narrowed its choice to a goods lift and eventually selected the Mezz Lift. “Our
products are small and the safe load limit of the Mezz Lift is easily sufficient
for our needs,” says David Murrell. After a site survey and working
to Lorlin’s overall specification Penny Hydraulics installed the Mezz Lift
in a corner of the production area where it can be accessed easily while being
fully enclosed for safety. One aspect of the selection process that attracted
Lorlin was the flexibility offered by Penny Hydraulics. As an engineering company
itself Lorlin was able to carry out some of the installation work, including the
fitting of the safety interlocks and cage gates that prevent entry to the working
area while the lift is moving, using its own resources and this was reflected
in the overall cost.
“This was a significant help in obtaining capital
expenditure approval,” says David Murrell. “Penny Hydraulics was helpful
at all stages and the installation was prompt and efficient.” The Mezz
Lift is a robust and versatile platform lift for handling all sorts of loads up
to 300kg safely and efficiently. It offers a cost effective way to comply with
manual handling regulations and reduce the risk of injury to employees. The entire
handling process can be undertaken by a single person without any manual lifting
to promote safety and productivity. A unique hold-to-run system promotes safety
by stopping the lift whenever the control lever is released. The lifting speed
of 0.5m/s means that items are handled between the ground floor and mezzanine
very quickly. Additional safety features include overload protection. “Due
to the simplicity of the product our own maintenance engineer can carry out routine
servicing,” says David Murrell. Penny Hydraulics designs, manufactures
and services lifting and load handling equipment for use in a wide range of applications.
Products include the Swing Lift range of medium duty cranes for use on pick-ups,
drop-sides and flat-beds and the Step Lift, Load Lift and Tail Lift lifting platform
ranges for use on pick-ups, drop-sides and vans. The company also manufactures
the Mezz Lift for handling loads between ground floor and mezzanines and specialist
equipment for handling wheels, tyres and barrels in vehicles and at customers’
premises. Penny Hydraulics is a privately owned family business based in Clowne,
Derbyshire. DIGITAL IMAGES AVAILABLE ON REQUEST FROM KEITH WOOTTON
For
further press information please contact:
Richard Short
Sales Director
Penny
Hydraulics
T: 01246 811475
W: www.pennyhydraulics.com Keith Wootton
Public
Relations Consultant
T: 01327 830675/F: 0871 750 1406
E: penny@keithwootton.co.uk
W:
www.keithwootton.co.uk/clients/penny/
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