Global Assist Rowlinson Group in Going Even Greener!
Global Assist Rowlinson Group in Going Even Greener!
Based in Nantwich, Cheshire, the Rowlinson Group is a family of companies that has been serving thousands of businesses and end users since 1926.
Their passion started in Timber (and its many uses) – whether it is importing carcassing from Scandinavia to supply UK merchants, packaging automotive components on innovatively designed skids, or manufacturing children’s playhouses to entertain young imaginations, this sustainable material has been at the centre of everything they do.
The group consists of two Packaging companies, one at Thetford and the other at Wardle, two Garden Products one at Wardle and the other in Tallinn Estonia along with a website trading company based in Crewe.
The Groups Wardle site is home to Rowlinson Garden Products, who are experts in manufacturing, sourcing, and distributing, innovative and industry leading garden products including sheds, gazebos, fencing, and garden furniture to its trade customers.
Rowlinson Packaging (North), on the other hand, is a leading supplier of timber packaging solutions and services. They offer and create various bespoke packaging options, such as the wirebound crates and server boxes, to fulfil each customer’s needs.
Building on a strong nine-year relationship with the Global Materials Handling team, they recently decided to transition both companies on the site from diesel operations to fully electric. This transition introduced a range of advanced material-handling equipment, each contributing to improved efficiency, safety, and sustainability.
Our Solutions
The first solution we supplied for the Rowlinson group was a range of Toyota Electric Counterbalance Trucks. These forklifts provide reliable, zero-emission performance, reducing environmental impact while maintaining high productivity. Engineered for durability and precision, they offer smooth handling, powerful lifting capabilities, and energy-efficient operation across both Rowlinson companies. Some of the electric trucks at Rowlinson Packaging Products were higher-tonnage machines fitted with double pallet handler attachments, which double the truck’s handling capacity and, in turn, productivity rates.
Additional Specifications
Additionally, we also supplied a range of warehouse equipment, including Toyota Powered Pallet Trucks (PPTs) and Pedestrian Reach Stackers. The PPTs improve material movement, streamline operations, and reduce manual strain. Meanwhile, Pedestrian Reach Stackers can handle a wide range of pallets and offer excellent manoeuvrability in tight spaces such as manufacturing and storage areas, making stacking and retrieval more precise and efficient for the Rowlinson team.
The Combilift Multi-Directional Forklifts were a new addition to the fleet, as neither Rowlinson site had previously worked with the Combilift range. As a result, we provided hands-on support to help successfully integrate the equipment into their day-to-day operations. These trucks enable safe handling of long loads while boosting productivity by streamlining operations and removing the need for a Banksman on certain lifts. Compared to front-loading trucks, the Combilift Multi-Directional Forklift enhances accessibility and safety for drivers. The Multi-Directional function provides complete versatility and visibility, making navigation within the working area much easier and safer.
Throughout the whole process, our team worked closely with both companies to ensure the transition from diesel to fully electric was seamless. This included advising on dedicated charging areas for each company ensuring maximum efficiency and uptime of their new fleet. Our solutions-driven approach cemented why Rowlinsons continue to choose Global Materials Handling as their preferred supplier.
The new fleet of high-performance material-handling equipment consisted of:
Rowlinson Garden Products:
- 11x Toyota Electric Counterbalance Trucks
- 3x Toyota Ride-On Powered Pallet Trucks (PPTs)
- 2x Toyota Pedestrian-Powered Pallet Trucks (PPTs)
- 1x Combilift Multi-Directional Forklift
Rowlinson Packaging Products:
- 16x Toyota Electric Counterbalance Trucks
- 1x Toyota Pedestrian Reach Stacker
- 1x Combilift Multi-directional Sideloader
“We’re excited to work with Global on updating our truck fleet, as they share our commitment to innovation and sustainability. Their support in supplying our new fleet has been invaluable. This transition has helped us towards meeting our green targets while enhancing site safety and efficiency with the Combilift Multi-Directional Trucks.“
Charles Firth, Managing Director of Rowlinson Packaging and Rowlinson Garden Products