Facility expansion, redesign and installation are among the weightiest projects a business can undertake. However, as with too many business decisions, the company's best intentions are often wrapped up in traditional notions of how things ought to be done. For instance, the role of a lift truck is rarely considered in retrofits or new building and is often only addressed once the lift truck's future home has already been designed.According to Michael Wiesenegg, product line manager of warehouse systems for Mitsubishi Caterpillar Fork-lift America, the lift truck can be among the most crucial elements to the productivity of a new or existing space. When selecting the right equipment for any lift truck application, says Wiesenegg, there are three key factors: available space, the nature of the product, and the required (or potential) speed of the product through the facility. Depending on the application, narrow aisle setups can offer the optimal blend of efficient use of storage space, safe handling of sensitive products, and rapid product processing. Whatever the application, the lift truck will only be ideal if correctly paired with the racking, aisle width and overall facility design.
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