Short term hire solution for Antarctic exploration
July 04, 2011 - A Staffordshire-based supplier of forklift trucks is playing a part in the exploration and study of one of the world’s most remote and hostile environments.
The British Antarctic Survey (BAS) is at the forefront of scientific research on the frozen continent and it has recently signed a contract with Briggs Equipment for a short-term hire (STH) truck that will help its massive logistics operation.
Every year BAS sends two ships – RSS Ernest Shackleton and RSS James Clark Ross - to Antarctica and putting the stores together at its headquarters can prove a massive task, especially when the ships are due to set sail or return to the UK.
Mick Cliff, Stores Manager at BAS explained: “Every year we handle around 1000 tonnes of cargo, which can include everything from toilet rolls to high-tech scientific equipment.
“We already have one 2.5 tonne truck from Briggs on a five year contract but during the summer months, when it is winter in Antarctica, we are at our busiest – unloading equipment and samples that have returned from Antarctica and then loading stores and equipment that will be used over the Antarctic summer.”
To help BAS cope with the extra workload, Briggs have supplied one of it latest Yale trucks on a four month STH agreement. The three tonne LPG powered vehicle is one of the latest additions to Briggs’s STH fleet and is less than a year old.
With a reach height of five metres and 1300mm forks, the truck’s reliability will be crucial to the success of this year’s expeditions.
Continued Mick: “We are always working to very strict deadlines as the ships will not wait for us and so reliability is essential, as is an efficient stores operation. We have turned to Briggs once again because we have been impressed by both the equipment and their ongoing service and support.”
Allan Parsons, asset manager of Briggs Equipment, added: “We are delighted to have been asked to help BAS in the support of its vital research operation in Antarctica. This latest contract also illustrates the high regard in which our STH service is held and the quality of our state-of-the-art fleet.”
- Ends -
Briggs Equipment UK Ltd is a leading materials handling service provider and sole distributor in Great Britain of Yale Materials Handling products. Providing a wide range of equipment for a broad customer base, Briggs provides innovative, tailored and cost effective solutions on a nationwide basis. With its headquarters and national support centre in Cannock, Briggs people assist and advise in the delivery of long term solutions that enable customers to develop more efficient and results driven businesses.
View all of Briggs Equipment’s latest news on the Briggs online media centre.
British Antarctic Survey
British Antarctic Survey (BAS), a component of the Natural Environment Research Council, delivers world-leading interdisciplinary research in the Polar Regions. Its skilled science and support staff based in Cambridge, Antarctica and the Arctic, work together to deliver research that underpins a productive economy and contributes to a sustainable world. Its numerous national and international collaborations, leadership role in Antarctic affairs and excellent infrastructure help ensure that the UK maintains a world leading position. BAS has over 450 staff and operates five research stations, two Royal Research Ships and five aircraft in and around Antarctica.
www.antarctica.ac.uk
Media contact:
Tiffany Clowes
Changeworks Communications
T. + 44 (0) 1785 247588
E.
Company Contact:
Scott Bullock
Briggs Equipment
Orbital Way
Cannock
WS11 8XW
T: 01543 430 455
W: www.briggsequipment.co.uk
Tags: Briggs Equipment, British Antarctic Survey, BAS, Short Term Hire,
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