Linx Printing Technologies Enhances Warehouse Safety and Productivity With Cat® Mini Order Pickers
Linx Printing Technologies has invested in two Cat Mini Order Pickers from long-term material handling equipment supplier Impact Handling, part of Aprolis UK, to enhance safety and efficiency across its UK warehouse operations.
Linx’s Search for a Safer Way to Pick at Height
The leading UK-based manufacturer of industrial coding machines has worked closely with Impact Handling for several years, during which time it has supplied a wide range of MHE equipment to support Linx’s evolving operations, including flexi trucks, counterbalance trucks and electric pallet stackers.
When Brian Fowler, EHS Adviser at Linx Printing Technologies, began reviewing how to further enhance safety within the company’s warehousing operations across its two sites, Impact Handling was a natural first point of contact. Following an internal risk assessment, Linx identified the need to replace the mobile warehouse safety steps that were being used.
After discussing Linx’s requirements, Impact Handling recommended its Cat Mini Order Picker/Work Assist Vehicle range. As part of the wider Cat EQ Lithium product line – which also includes power pallet trucks, and compact stackers – the Mini Order Pickers provided excellent stability, ease of use and precise control in warehousing operations, whereas previously, warehouse operatives utilised manually manoeuvred mobile steps to pick and store stock at height.
While incidents were rare, the risk assessment highlighted several concerns, particularly staff reaching from the top of the steps to access stock, limited stability, and difficulties maintaining safe points of contact while carrying loads which posed unnecessary risks.
How Cat Mini Order Pickers Transformed Their Warehouse Processes
Featuring a stable mast and chassis with built‑in safety interlocks, the Cat Mini Order Pickers’ manoeuvrable, self‑propelled design makes them ideal for confined warehouse environments, improving both productivity and safety by enabling operators to handle heavier loads at height with greater control and reduced risk.
Crucially for Linx, the front-mounted carry plates allow operators to move multiple cartons at height in a controlled and stable way, improving both safety and picking efficiency. Thanks to its stable mast and robust chassis, the platform can be safely elevated to 3 metres, allowing operators to pick items up to 5 metres high.
For a company working with ink production and hazardous chemicals, Brian Fowler viewed these solutions as a safer approach that also helped streamline day-to-day operations.
He commented: “From the very first discussion, Impact Handling clearly understood the challenges we were facing and quickly recommended the solution that was the perfect fit for our operation.”
“As a business, we’re always looking for ways to improve, and health and safety remains a key priority for us. Our initial risk assessment highlighted the need to move away from traditional mobile steps to allow warehouse operatives to handle heavier loads in a safer way and to do so, we turned to the Cat Mini Order Pickers.
Operators now no longer need to climb the previously used mobile steps while carrying loads, dramatically reducing the risks associated with working at height.”
The Measurable Safety and Productivity Gains Achieved
Linx initially trialled one Cat Mini Order Picker, and following an overwhelmingly positive response from warehouse staff, the business invested in two units, deploying one in each of its two warehouse facilities located in St. Ives, Cambridgeshire.
Brian Fowler continued: “Since introducing the Cat Mini Order Pickers into our operations, we have seen clear improvements in not only safety, but productivity as well. Previously, our warehouse operatives could only carry a single carton up the steps at a time.”
“With this equipment, they can now transport between 60 and 90kg per lift, allowing up to 12 boxes to be moved in one trip. As a result, tasks that once required 30 individual journeys can now be completed in roughly two trips, significantly improving throughput and creating a safer working environment.”
“This is why we place such high value on this type of equipment. They’re not a ‘nice to have’ for us, they are an essential investment that protects both the wellbeing of our staff and the integrity of our products. The Cat Mini Order Pickers have also proven popular with our employees, who have taken to them quickly and now see them as an invaluable part of being able to undertake their day-to-day roles.”
Stuart Parnell, Area Sales Manager at Impact Handling also said: “We were pleased to support Linx with the specification and supply of Cat Mini Order Pickers; equipment that genuinely serves to not only transform safety within warehouse operations but also supercharge productivity levels.
“Impact Handling’s role goes beyond just supplying high-quality equipment. We listen, advise, and ensure our customers receive the solution that best fits their needs. Our delivery of such material handling equipment to Linx perfectly illustrates this approach; matching the right solution to the right brief, leading to benefits such as reducing risk, and making everyday tasks simpler and more efficient for operators.”
Learn more about the Cat Mini Order Picker here
Ready to improve safety and productivity in your warehouse?
Speak to our specialist team today to find the right Cat® solution for your operation.
0800 169 9789 | sales@impact-handling.com
