For a busy Victorian packaging manufacturer juggling multiple divisions and narrow warehouse aisles, ageing rental equipment was no longer cutting it. DFC Packaging Group needed a smarter, longer-term approach to materials handling, and a structured search for the right solution led them to the Linde Material Handling product range.
Johan Hanekom, Storeman at DFC Packaging Group, was handed the task of finding new forklifts as the business weighed up its options for moving on from second-hand rental units.
"I was given the task of finding new forklifts, and I considered a couple of brands. Looking at Linde Material Handling, I noticed the Baoli brand and inquired more about it," he says. "We had been renting forklifts, but there was a plan for us to look at getting some newer ones, whether buying, renting or leasing."
Matching Equipment to a Demanding Environment
DFC Packaging's warehouse presents a set of challenges familiar to many manufacturers: tight aisles, high racking, and a diverse range of loads requiring different handling capabilities.
The solution came in the form of a mixed Baoli fleet including a KBR16 high reach truck, a KBE25 electric forklift, and a KBET 1.8 tonne lithium-ION 3-wheel counterbalance forklift currently on order.
"We have tight, narrow aisles with racking up to about seven metres — we needed something that could work within that space, put stock away and get stock out, which is why we opted for the Baoli reach truck," Johan explains. "Some of the machinery we handle is fairly heavy, so we needed something with more capacity like the 2.5 tonne unit to lift it. And the 1.8 tonne will be more of a general unit, working in the aisles and for loading and unloading trucks."
Each unit was selected with a specific role in mind, giving the team the right tool for each task rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all approach.
The Lithium-ION Advantage
One of the standout benefits of the new fleet has been the shift to lithium-ion technology, which has changed how the team manages charging and operational downtime.
"I like the fact that we don't have to charge the units overnight," Johan says. "If the battery's running low, we can put it on charge for a bit and it's ready to go again. I've had one fully charged in about two to two and a half hours, which is a bonus. You can keep operating without long downtime."
For a warehouse that needs to stay productive throughout the day, the ability to opportunity-charge between tasks has proven to be a practical and significant operational benefit.
Safety and Usability on the Warehouse Floor
Operator feedback on the equipment has been positive, with the reach truck noted for its smooth, controlled performance. Additional features including digital weight gauges, fork positioners, and an onboard camera have added to the overall capability of the fleet.
New safety technology has also made an impression on the team. "It's the first time we've had the warning lines setup on a forklift, so we're still educating the staff to be aware of it, but it definitely helps," Johan says. "It makes it easier for both operators and personnel to see where the forklift is operating. And the BlueSpot on the KBE25 is also a great warning system, especially when reversing. It helps everyone in the warehouse stay aware."
A Trial Process that Built Confidence
Central to DFC Packaging's decision-making was the opportunity to trial equipment in their own environment before committing.
"Mia Whiteoak, Territory Manager at Baoli, was very professional, and her communication was great," Johan says. "Dealing with her was fantastic because she was able to provide each of the forklifts that we were looking at so we could trial them for a week. And that helped in making the decision as to which ones we go for and what additions we wanted on the forklifts because some of them didn't have weight scales or a camera."
The outcome has been a fleet that fits the operation and a customer that's satisfied with both the product and the support behind it.
"We're very happy with the equipment and the service so far," Johan says. "It's working well for our operation."
Interested in trialling Linde Material Handling equipment for your warehouse? Contact us to see what options are available for an onsite demonstration.