The Sovex MVL9 vehicle loader
DHL, the global market leader of the international express and logistics industry, has ordered twenty-five MVL9-600 mobile vehicle loaders from leading conveyor manufacturer Sovex – just months after awarding the Prenton based company the contract to service its conveying equipment in the UK. The investment reflects the confidence DHL has in Sovex and its products.
The Sovex machines will replace existing units in twenty-five of DHL’s ‘Definite Day’ distribution centres. Definite Day is a popular service that guarantees delivery of letters and parcels on a day specified by the customer. Its designated hubs process thousands of shipments every day, and the workload places high demands on conveying equipment. MVL9-600 will help DHL workers to load and unload forty-foot trailers quickly and efficiently.
For use in premises without a raised loading dock, MVL9-600 comprises a horizontal belt conveyor fixed to a height adjustable inclined conveyor. Parcels travel up the inclined section and onto the belt conveyor, which extends up to nine metres into the vehicle. From here, parcels flow smoothly to an operator for loading. Travel direction is reversible to allow unloading. Mounted on large swivel castors, MVL9-600 can be positioned to suit the varying needs of a business.
David Teasdale, Engineering Manager of DHL UK, is delighted; “We looked closely at the market for the right piece of equipment. It has to withstand the knocks that are part and parcel of the logistics business, and meet our stringent safety standards. The Sovex machines are robust, hardwearing, and have a range of safety features. These include pop-out rollers that minimise the risk of entrapment, and full underguarding, which shields workers from the conveyor mechanism.”
DHL also specified smooth parcel transfer points between the horizontal and inclined conveyor sections. David explained; “Parcel transition between the boom sections is important because it affects the chances of larger items getting stuck. MVL9-600 transports parcels smoothly and consistently, which satisfies our requirements!”
The order, due for completion in 2009, is great news for rapidly expanding Sovex. The company recently appointed two new engineering managers, Ian Jarvis and Steve Stanbridge, to assist the DHL servicing department in the smooth running of 130 depots around the country. Both Ian and Steve have over 20 years experience in the parcel handling industry. David Lindfield, Managing Director at Sovex, is positive; “Our relationship with DHL has gone from strength to strength this year. The future is bright and I look forward to 2009.”
Photo:
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