Horizon Platforms Blog

Case Study: Horizon Platforms Supply DHL With Cherry Pickers and Scissor Lifts 

DHL and Horizon Platforms. A partnership built on excellence

At Horizon Platforms, we have extensive knowledge of the warehousing industry and racking installation settings, as well as a specific nationwide fleet of powered access platforms that are perfect for any project within the warehousing environment. 

Large logistic companies expect their employees and workers within their supply chain to prioritise risk management and ensure they are compliant with health and safety regulations – something we pride ourselves on. This gives our customers peace of mind and is just one of the many reasons we are a go-to for MEWP hire within the racking industry. 

Read our case study to see how we helped a large logistics company to increase efficiency and offer an improved level of service. 

DHL and Horizon Platforms: A Partnership Built on Excellence 

DHL is one of the largest logistics companies in the world, with almost 400,000 employees operating in 220 countries. The company has an extensive presence in the UK and offers an ever-expanding range of products and services to businesses and individuals. For several years, DHL has partnered with Horizon Platforms to hire both scissor lifts and cherry pickers

The Challenges Faced Within DHL Warehouses

One of DHL’s fastest-growing areas is the provision of warehousing solutions to online businesses. There is a need to increase efficiency and offer an improved service level, therefore DHL provides effective and trustworthy support to a diverse range of companies. From storage and order picking, through to despatch, this end-to-end-service can even include delivery and returns management.

Within the warehouses, a close link between stock control and front e-commerce is vital. A disconnect in the communication line could result in lack of customer satisfaction and, if operations are required to be paused to run a stock check, it can be problematic to the running of the online business. Therefore warehouses need to be efficient and have reliable, safe access to high-up racking installations, in order to check any stock above ground level. 

DHL often runs stock checking exercises like this, operating annual, six-monthly and quarterly checks for clients. These spot checks are common and can involve a basic count of full pallets to thorough checks of every item on every single pallet. Checks within these warehouses are usually conducted over the weekend, that way their customers avoid any loss of trading. 

Due to DHL having such an intense focus on time and a limited window of opportunity, exercises within the warehouse must proceed smoothly for DHL to deliver, resulting in the need to hire reliable MEWPs

How Horizon Platforms Helped DHL To Succeed 

Horizon Platforms have been an approved DHL supplier for many years, and have agreed a long-term contract agreement. Horizon aims to be the most responsive and reliable powered access supplier in the industry. It is an aspiration that it succeeds at, with over 96% of platforms delivered on time, exceptionally high customer service scores, and a solid base of loyal customers. 

Horizon is also one of the most accredited and compliant hire companies in the industry. With DHL, the ability to offer same day/next day delivery, and the consistent supply of a safe reliable service has built a strong relationship between the two companies.

So, regardless of MEWP type, location or timescales, Horizon is committed to DHL’s success. Horizon understands the time pressure involved and the tight parameters of these difficult stock-taking programmes. Horizon’s team is dedicated to getting the right machine there on time, fully charged and ready to go. As a Supply Chain Manager within DHL says, “I can’t afford any mistakes, and that’s why I choose Horizon.”

Hire Warehouse and Factory Lifting Equipment 

At Horizon Platforms we offer a wide range of lifting equipment fit for your warehouse jobs. From small scissor lifts to indoor articulated boom lifts, our warehouse access platforms are ideal for completing tasks in restricted spaces.

Offering a wide range of MEWPS; including warehouse-specific scissor lifts and cherry pickers, we can meet the needs of factories, warehouses and distribution companies. If you’re working indoors in a narrow aisle, completing a stocktake or selecting products for distribution, we’ve got the right equipment suitable for your projects. 

Our warehouse lifting equipment and access platforms are a great choice for a wide range of fulfilment jobs. With platform heights ranging from 5m to over 20m, there are few places our aerial work platforms can’t reach, and with our nationwide network of close partners, that’s true geographically as well as vertically.

The Key Features of Access Platforms For Warehousing

Key features of our warehousing MEWPs include:

  • Slim widths – perfect for narrow aisles in warehouses
  • Reach heights up to 22m
  • Non-marking tyres for indoor use
  • Quick and easy to use – ensuring stock pickers can fulfil orders quickly

The Key Uses of Distribution Service MEWPs

Key warehouse operations that can be carried out using a distribution service MEWP include:

  • Goods in
  • Stocktakes
  • Quality assurance
  • Picking and packing
  • Fulfilment
  • Despatch/distribution
  • Cleaning and maintenance

How Can Horizon Platforms Help Your Next Project?

We have an exceptional track record of delivering MEWPs for challenging projects within the warehousing setting, backed up with all the accreditations and compliance infrastructure in place to reassure you and your customers. To discuss the best MEWP to hire for your warehousing project, talk to the team at Horizon Platforms today. Are you looking for further information on access platforms for racking installations and how Horizon Platforms can help aid safe work from height across a variety of projects within the warehousing industry? You can find out more in our racking installation whitepaper: Advice on the safe operation of MEWPS and FLTs during the installation and reconfiguration of racking.