HAI switches to Combilift

Hammerer Aluminium Industries (HAI) has demonstrably improved its operational efficiency and safety by transitioning to Combilift’s multidirectional forklifts, a strategic move holding pertinent lessons for the construction sector. The high-tech aluminium producer, operating across eight European sites, faced persistent reliability issues with conventional sideloaders at its Austrian headquarters. This prompted an investment in a fleet comprising two C14000 and one C8000 model, after a comprehensive evaluation that critically involved future truck operators to ensure optimal fit. The deployment of Combilift's four-way concept has yielded significant advantages. Its ability to combine front and side loading, coupled with precise directional changes, is crucial for handling lengthy and heavy aluminium billets — some up to 7,000kg and 7.5m long — within highly constrained areas like packing stations. Crucially for construction, HAI also implemented a guided-aisle system, reducing operational aisle widths to just 3,620mm in storage, and equipped units with telescopic forks for single-side HGV loading. This maximises storage density and site utilisation, addressing common logistical bottlenecks. The new fleet now supports a demanding four-shift schedule, clocking 3,000 operational hours annually per truck, ensuring reliable, cost-effective, and space-optimised material handling, showcasing a robust solution for industries grappling with complex logistics and tight spatial parameters. Read More