Heat, humidity, dust, abrasion - producing soft, hygienic paper is tough business and having equipment that can perform continuously in this environment is crucial to maintaining productivity. The Kimberly-Clark factory in Switzerland exclusively trusts trucks supplied by Yale® dealer, Avesco. From heavy duty forklifts to platform pallet trucks, the Yale equipment onsite operates round-the-clock and continues to impress with its ergonomics and reliability.Andreas recalls how Yale dealer, Avesco put together the right overall package: in addition to reliable and ergonomic trucks from Yale, the deal also included a long-term five-year rental contract with the option of replacement vehicles after that period. Avesco gave Kimberly-Clark a service level commitment which, according to Andreas, the dealer has honoured to the letter. Service technicians are available at short notice and replacement trucks are usually provided the same day.
Senior management at Kimberly-Clark appreciated how Avesco and Yale were able to tailor the equipment to their specific requirements. For example, the exhaust after-treatment systems on the diesel trucks have been fitted with a heat protection foil to avert fire hazards and hydraulics and water cooling systems have extra coolers to cope with the heavy-duty operation. Two electric forklifts are fitted with bale clamps and one heavy-duty forklift even has shears to cut the wire on waste paper bales. “‘Not possible’ is not part of the dealer’s vocabulary, which we think is very good,” states Andreas.
He also appreciates being able to speak honestly and openly with Avesco.“You can state your opinion and don’t need to beat about the bush,” says Andreas. That applies on the one hand to Kimberly-Clark, who can raise any maintenance requirements but it is also true for Avesco, who can alert Kimberly-Clark to schedule the next driver training course. The supplier and the client sit down together twice a year and talk about hours worked, damage, terms and conditions. Another positive for Kimberly-Clark is the single point of contact Avesco provides: someone who started their career as a mechanic and knows the business inside out.
The operators at Kimberly-Clark also sing the Yale equipment’s praises. René Känzig has been driving trucks at Kimberly-Clark since 1989. One thing he likes in particular is that he can control all of the truck’s functions using just his right hand with the Yale AccuTouchTM mini-lever. The air-sprung seat enhances his comfort, especially over long working hours, and air conditioning means he can shut the windows of the cab. Last but not least, having a radio makes work for him and his colleagues that little bit easier.
