The building and construction materials sector is experiencing strong growth, fuelled by industrial construction, home builds, and renovation projects. This surge in demand builds big opportunities, but may require different thinking when it comes to forklift fleets.
Growth is creating pressure on global supply chains and can heighten customer expectations for rapid delivery, often resulting in high inventory levels with slow turnover. At the same time, businesses face tight delivery timelines, and workforce shortages, all while managing cost pressures and aging equipment fleets.
Sustainability has also become a major trend, with companies investing heavily to reduce their carbon footprint and adopt greener practices. The building materials sector also remains vulnerable to fluctuations in raw material costs, adding another core consideration for companies striving to maintain profitability and efficiency.
However, though there are complexities at play, having an insight into the right materials handling solutions can enable building materials manufacturing and distribution operations to thrive. Here are some ways to tackle building materials handling challenges with Hyster® forklifts.
- The Challenge: Demanding Environments
Outdoor operation is commonplace in the building materials sector where loads may be handled in dusty, dirty yards rather than in clean warehouses. Here, open air environments and unpredictable weather conditions can push equipment hard. If the forklifts are not built to withstand this type of operation, they may fail to keep up, resulting in downtime and, in turn, operational disruptions.
The Hyster A Series internal combustion engine (ICE) lift trucks may be one solution, especially suited to operations handling palletised finished goods such as brick, cement, shingles, roofing products, windows and more. Designed for versatility and high performance, the durable A Series forklifts also come with a range of options, so the solution is expertly customised for manufacturing environments, distribution centres, and tough environments.
- The Challenge: Fleet Consolidation
In the face of difficult market conditions, forklift operations can often be expected to do more with less. This leads to a higher dependency on a smaller fleet of lift trucks. Meaning if a hard-working truck needs maintenance or repair, manufacturing or direct retail distribution operations may grind to a halt.
If not managed correctly, mixed fleets and aging equipment typically lead to downtime. However, with the right fleet management and telematics solutions building materials manufacturers can keep operations running smoothly.
For example, the Hyster Fleet Management Programme can help optimise fleet size while also establishing appropriate maintenance plans that extend the lifespan of equipment. The Hyster Tracker wireless asset management system provides telemetry and data that managers can use to help maximise fleet efficiency and operator performance, while also managing costs. - The Challenge: Sustainability Efforts
There is great emphasis on emissions reduction and green initiatives in many businesses across the construction industry. Sometimes driven by corporate goals, and other times due to local legislation. Transitioning from ICE to electric trucks is one key way to reduce exhaust emissions throughout building and construction materials manufacturing sites. However, switching fleets requires investment – both in the lift trucks and the infrastructure to charge them.
For applications manufacturing heavy and bulky materials, high-capacity electric forklifts such as the Hyster J10-18XD models are designed to ease the transition. With lithium-ion batteries, they eliminate exhaust emissions, reduce noise, and require less maintenance. For manufacturers serving light commercial and residential markets, dealing largely with palletised loads, the Hyster XTLG forklift series provides options from affordable 2-tonne lift trucks, up to models with 7-tonnes capacity.
Whichever option is selected, the lithium-ion batteries support quick, opportunity charging and eliminate the need for the battery storage and changing rooms that are required with lead-acid battery powered forklifts - The Challenge: Workforce Shortages
The building materials industry has a reputation of being a demanding and unappealing option for lift truck operators. Add to that a limited pool of qualified workers and labour challenges abound. This makes meeting the operator’s needs more important than ever.
Comfort and safety may be key factors in retaining a team member. Making ergonomic forklift selection a critical part of building the materials handling fleet. Hyster lift trucks, for example, are designed for operator comfort and precision, even when handling heavy loads. Cabs designed for comfort and high visibility across long shifts are standard across Hyster big trucks for handling heavy infrastructure materials weighing 8-tonnes or more.
For manufacturers and distributors of building materials for more general use, advanced technologies like the optional Dynamic Stability System (DSS) are also available for Hyster A Series forklifts. This solution uses a holistic approach to help reduce the likelihood of certain truck tip-overs, helping operators to feel supported in high throughout handling environments. - The Challenge: Cost Pressures
With rising expenses, increased overheads, and compressed margins, efficiency and operating costs matter. There is usually no room for unexpected costs related to operational downtime and equipment maintenance.
Matching the right truck with the right task, intensity, and application is fundamental for cost efficiency and operational efficiency alike, whether your focus is on materials manufacturing or supplying the trade directly. For instance, for less demanding operations or tasks like inventory movements, the cost effective Hyster UT series lift trucks and Hyster XTLG forklifts can offer a reliable and maintenance-friendly solution. Whereas the Hyster A Series forklifts are highly customisable, with options that help to add value where there are specific needs or demanding environments, such as those operations manufacturing irregular building materials loads. - Tackle your materials handling challenges
Having the right equipment, tools, and fleet strategies in place can help drive success for companies handling building materials. Hyster is there to help, with a comprehensive range of solutions, from advanced operator assistance solutions to heavy-duty forklifts for large loads and tough conditions, and electric options that help align with green initiatives.
Are you ready to build a strong foundation? Speak with a local Hyster dealer for expert insight and advice on ways to stay productive and cost-efficient while handling building materials.
