AARSCHOT, BELGIUM

Since 1967, Duracell has run a factory in Aarschot, Belgium, where millions of batteries are manufactured every day and 98 percent of the products are destined for export. 

Since 1967, Duracell has run a factory in Aarschot, Belgium, where millions of batteries are manufactured every day and 98 percent of the products are destined for export. The focus of the production in Aarschot lies in AA and AAA batteries.

With more than 700 employees, Duracell is one of the major employers in the region.

Following a thorough analysis by the local Hyster distribution partner, it was identified that Duracell required smaller and more agile materials handling equipment. The operation requires forklift trucks to work closely alongside each other in tight spaces. The operation also required a fleet of trucks assigned to a pool of operators, rather than assigning a particular truck to an operator.

• Supplied highly manoeuvrable forklift trucks to operate in tight spaces
• Standardised the fleet, helping operators to easily transfer between machines
• Together with the local distribution partner, provided training for the lift truck operators

• Efficiency has been enhanced thanks to the adjustable mini lever module with built- in hydraulic controls and side shift, featured on every truck. The operators appreciate the comfort and accuracy offered by these controls
• Operator comfort is delivered throughout the shift by the wellsprung, ergonomically designed full suspension seats
• Excellent levels of manoeuvrability are provided, thanks to the zero-turn radius. This enables the operators to manoeuvre easily between the major production areas and avoid other vehicles
• Straightforward operation and ease of adjustment between different vehicles is made possible thanks to the unified dashboard on the three-wheel and four-wheel trucks. The new fleet is used by a pool of 250 operators, who can now easily switch from one truck to another
• Operator training was provided by Hyster and its local distribution partner. Each operator received half an hour of individual supervision and the Hyster distribution partner staff rotated shifts in order to ensure all operators were trained
• Uptime is maximised as the equipment is supplied on a full service maintenance contract through Hyster and the local distribution partner