Bridge the Gap

There’s no doubt that Linde’s number one aim is to re-establish itself as the number one material handling company in the world.

“Development of the product in our Chinese manufacturing plant continues to grow, with new models and existing model upgrades scheduled in the coming two years,” says general manager fleet sales & marketing , Rod Chapman.

“The company’s strategic plans revolve around new equipment design and efficiency improvements in all areas and are expected to culminate in Kion successfully achieving its planned IPO (stock exchange listing) within the medium to long term.”

“Locally, Linde Material Handling will continue to forcefully seek opportunities to drive growth in the STR, Used, Service and New Truck segments in the metropolitan and regional areas.

This is anticipated to be both organic and through strategic acquisitions,” Chapman says.

Currently in the final stages of development and yet to be formally named, the Linde Fleet Management System (LFMs) is the company’s latest innovation.

“The system will provide the most interactive and feature rich, fleet and driver management system available today,” Chapman says.

Designed exclusively for Linde, the LFMS system will utilise the latest in web and wireless technology.

“The Linde web based system means our customers will no longer need to plug computers into vehicles, use RF or WiFi which requires complex onsite infrastructure, dedicated PCs and software acrobatics which customer IT departments generally frown upon,” Chapman explains.

“Just log into the internet, anywhere in the world and you can administer the system, modify your report settings or view what is happening in real time.”

In terms of vehicle efficiencies and improved utilisation LFMS customers will have the opportunity for the first time to genuinely locate the right unit where it is most needed.

“Reports can provide precise vehicle activity hours by model, department and location,” Chapman says.

“Data received using Linde CanBus technology will mean an overall utilisation report not just on key hours but forward, reverse and lift activity as well.”

“The LFMS also improves safety in the warehouse, primarily by managing the right drivers on the right machines. “Only authorised drivers will have the ability to start a vehicle,” Chapman says.

“Seat belt interlocks and Start up checklists will also contribute to a safer environment. The system will also have the ability to turn vehicles off where no one is on the seat for a given amount of minutes reducing fuel consumption vehicle emissions.”

Linde’s LFMS system is expected to be released to the Australian market around April.

According to Rod Chapman, Linde leads the world in compliance with international emission standards, and the company’s combustion engine forklifts require less energy which means they emit less CO2 gases.

A major part of this philosophy is the company’s PureMotion manufacturing process, whicl continues to evolve with the design of every new product.

“Linde PureMotion is a multifaceted solution to increasing energy efficiency, cutting emissions and limiting or eliminating any kind of undesirable effects on our environment,” Chapman says.

“Our electric range is designed around energy utilisation and the features of the range achieve greater energy savings and provide higher productivity.”

“Linde PureMotion is our answer to current environmental and health issues,” Chapman says.

“Today we use this label as an umbrella term for design principles and a host of detailed solutions that cut energy consumption, reduce emissions and enhance eco-friendliness in practice.”

In the Linde PureMotion process, Chapmen points out that the hydrostatic drive converts up to 90 per cent of the energy into power, while saving approximately 30 per cent fuel.

“What’s more the hydrostatic drive requires neither brakes nor clutch, that’s two fewer sources of particulate matter,” he says.

“Linde PureMotion will improve productivity by focusing on the operator, ergonomic controls, and clearly arranged instruments,” Chapman explains.

“Ultimately our processes are designed to make tasks easier and more user friendly for the operator including seat suspension, adjustable armrest and preferences and the intuitive location of controls and displays.”

“Internationally Linde is preparing for the Hanover Fair in May 2008 where new products and services will be launched,” Chapman adds.

“Until they’ve had their premiere, we’re not at liberty to provide specifics.”

Although entrenched as the third largest MHE company in Australia, Chapman says the drive to bridge the gap between the two top MHE companies and Linde will continue to be motivated by the local management which is focused on providing the best customer service levels within the industry.

“Our vision and mission is to exceed our clients’ expectations in service and support, and to provide a level of service in line with the premium product Linde manufactures,” he says.