Specialized Design Improves Material Flow
A global battery parts manufacturer in Kansas contacted Riekes Equipment looking for a better way to move large steel coils. What started as a simple request for a standard forklift turned into a more detailed conversation about their current material handling process. Once Riekes learned more about the complex workflow, it became clear the manufacturer didn’t just need forklifts, they needed a custom-built solution designed to fit their space and equipment.
INITIAL CHALLENGE
The customer needed to transport 20,000-pound steel coils from delivery trucks into their facility and directly onto a decoiler machine on the production line. Because of their focus on sustainability, they wanted an all-electric option that could be used both outside on the dock and inside tight warehouse aisles.
The challenge was finding a machine powerful enough to carry these massive coils, but small enough to move safely indoors. Traditional forklifts were too bulky for the warehouse layout. The manufacturer also wanted to improve safety and visibility, since the coils were heavy and precision was critical when placing them near production machinery. No standard piece of equipment met all these needs and the customer was open to getting creative … so the search began for something smarter.
OUR SOLUTION
To solve the problem, Riekes worked closely with the customer’s engineers and a specialized forklift manufacturer, Combilift, to design the ideal solution. The first part of our solution was a Combilift multi-directional forklift. Unlike regular forklifts, Combilift machines are built to handle long or bulky loads in narrow spaces. They move not just forward and backward, but also side to side, giving operators better control in tight areas. The model Riekes selected was electric and strong enough to lift 20,000-pound coils, yet compact enough to operate indoors. This gave the customer the indoor-outdoor flexibility they needed without sacrificing load capacity.
The second piece of equipment was a walkie stacker with a coil ram, specifically designed for this customer. It was the first of its kind made by Combilift. The coil ram allowed operators to unload steel coils from the trailer and move them directly to the decoiler machine without needing another lift truck. The stacker’s side-mount controls gave operators full visibility of the load while keeping them safely out of the path of moving equipment. This dock-to-production setup eliminated extra steps and equipment, creating a faster, safer material flow.
THE RESULTS
The customer received a fully electric system custom-built for their operation. The Combilift forklift managed the heavy steel coils smoothly in both indoor and outdoor spaces. The coil-handling stacker made product transfer more precise and much safer. Both machines matched the customer's needs, something no off-the-shelf product could offer.
Riekes didn’t just quote equipment, Riekes listened to the customer’s concerns, worked directly with engineers and helped develop new equipment that didn’t exist before. The final solution made material flow faster, reduced strain on employees and improved safety across the board. And because the solution was all electric, it supported their long-term goals around energy efficiency and sustainability. This wasn’t just a forklift sale, it was a customized solution that delivered real value from day one.