Alspec Aluminium Systems Specialists recently invested in a Hänel Lean-Lift vertical storage system from Headland Machinery.Clinton Matthews, Alspec’s National Operations Manager, discussed the recent purchase.
AMT: How long has Alspec been in business and how has it evolved over the years?
Clinton Matthews: We’ve been in business for over 45 years with distribution facilities located across Australia. We have multiple businesses within the group and have in excess of 500 employees nationally supporting our customers.
We have in-house design and NATA-accredited testing facilities assisting in the development of new aluminium window and door systems supporting the building sector. We are big on R&D, we invest in our people and technology to deliver exceptional service across our supply chain.
AMT: What prompted you to invest in the Hänel system?
CM: Our main problem was capacity within an existing facility, in conjunction with labour productivity – the time it was taking to fulfil orders through the picking process. Traditionally we would store small components in traditional key lock racking systems, and we were looking for a way to increase productivity and the storage capacity of our facility.
We have not had the system long and we have already seen a reduction in excess of 22% in the time is takes to fulfil our orders. It also enabled us to pivot operations, with an increase in storage capacity by 25%. The introduction of the towers enabled us to store small components to almost 10m high, while recovering floor space for additional storage in our lineal based product.
AMT: What parts are stored in the Hänel system?
CM: We store components for the windows and door frames we supply. Security is not a concern with our product line; it’s more about bringing goods to man, rather than man to goods. We focused primarily on improving our motion ways in the warehouse and increasing usable floor space.
AMT: Did you review the competitor offerings in the vertical lift space?
CM: Yes, in detail. We reviewed not only the acquisition costs, but also the total costs of ownership, from depreciation to regular maintenance and support. We modelled our costing plan across a 15-year lifespan encompassing servicing and operating costs. We also reviewed the technical support located around Australia in conjunction with the positioning and quantity of spare part support.
AMT: What can you say about the service you creceived from Headland?
CM: We worked with Headland over a period of time to find the right solution for our business. The Headland team was knowledgeable and helpful in finding the right product fit, and they werew focused on meeting our expectations as agreed prior to the sale. In terms of service we’ve received prompt support and the installation process went well with all Covid-19-induced challenges overcome with nil disruption to the installation and commissioning plan.