Show stoppers at IMHX

With more than 70% of stand space sold at IMHX 2010, preparations are already under way for many exhibitors. We look at what special features visitors can expect at the show in November.

Taking place at the NEC, Birmingham, from 16-19 November, the International Materials Handling Exhibition (IMHX) is the undisputed leader in UK logistics events, ably demonstrated by the fact that exhibitor space at the show is over 70% sold already. With the event co-owned by BITA (British Industrial Truck Association), IMHX has always had a large core of support from the materials handling equipment (MHE) sector but the show has also attracted increasing numbers of automated handling exhibitors, as well as software providers and consultancy firms.

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Continental tool aids tyre choice

The Continental Whole Life Tool has been developed by Continental Tyres as a quantifiable way to show fork lift fleets how to increase their fuel efficiency and make large cost savings by switching tyre brands.

It is easy to think that the up front price of a tyre is the be all and end all, but there is a lot more to be considered. In the past, this has been difficult to quantify, leaving many to rely on that initial cost as a bench mark for how expensive or cheap a tyre is.

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Michelin provides food for thought

Animal feed manufacturer Frank Wright Trouw Nutrition International is switching to Michelin tyres across its fleet of 20 fork lift trucks following a successful trial of Michelin XZM tyres at its Derbyshire headquarters.

The move to a Michelin policy for the company’s mixed fleet of diesel and electric powered forklifts follows a 12 month tyre trial with a Mitsubishi FD25 fitted with XZM tyres.

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A costly decision?

In the current economic climate, fork truck fleet operators will be thinking about how they can make savings on their replacement tyre bill. Fleet managers and buyers should think twice before cutting back on that initial outlay as it may turn out to prove costly in the future. Leon McMahon, general sales manager for industrial tyres at Continental Tyres, explains why.    

It’s a difficult time and everyone’s looking to save money. Businesses with forklift fleets should be considering various factors when purchasing tyres in order to reduce costs, but a tyre should never be selected or rejected purely on the basis of its purchase price. There is a reason why some tyres are more expensive than others. I’m sure companies are looking at cheaper budget tyres and thinking, ‘there can’t be that much difference between a budget and a premium tyre – and look at the money we’ll save’.

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Inflation aid from Aide

Two products from Aide Automotive are designed to offer commercial vehicle operators greater information about tyre pressures.

Aide Automotive has seen a dramatic increase in enquiries for its tyre pressure products since tougher penalties for illegal tyres have been introduced. Under the Health and Safety (Offences) Act 2008, individuals responsible for commercial vehicles are now subject to tougher penalties for illegal tyres and faulty brakes. Penalties have been raised from a maximum of £5,000 to £20,000.

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Watts announces super Sherpa

Watts Tyre Group has launched Sherpa, a new industrial pneumatic tyre that offers durability and performance across a range of applications.Watts Tyre Group has announced the launch of its latest industrial pneumatic tyre, Sherpa. Sherpa is a premium quality tyre that has been designed to outperform other tyres in its class through design, construction and materials. Laboratory tests have shown that Sherpa is a highly durable tyre that performs exceptionally across a range of applications and environments.

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