UAE-based Al Bahar, the authorised Caterpillar equipment and engine dealer in the GCC (excluding Saudi Arabia), said it has delivered 17 units of materials handling equipment along with exclusive support agreement to Kibsons International.

The mix fleet including both Cat Lift trucks and UniCarriers forklifts will enable Kibsons to carry out warehousing functionalities efficiently, at their new facility in Alweer, Dubai, said a statement from Al Bahar.

Founded in 1980, Kibsons International has created the foundation for market leadership in the fruit, vegetable, meat and poultry sectors. From their establishment, Kibsons has grown to occupy a pre-eminent position in the industry in the UAE.

With its online services, it delivers freshly handpicked items directly to doorsteps in a matter of minutes, said the statement.

When expansion plans were under way, Kibsons was looking for solution that would fit in specifically its unique requirements.

"As part of our ongoing cold store expansion project, we were looking for flexibility and dependability while choosing the material handling solutions. Our business handles dynamic scenarios, demanding equipment that are versatile and compliant," explained Husainy Sharbat, the operations head, Kibsons International.

The new warehouse was primarily for storage and distribution capacity, with a restricted aisle space of 2.5 m and Radio shuttle racking system. They were in hunt of a solution that operated in narrows space. They wanted reach trucks or counter balance forklifts.

“Having understood the unique need, we proposed narrow aisle reach trucks, with body chassis of reach truck and which was integrated with VNA mode of forklifts. This was ideal for use in narrow spaces. They also requested for additional switch for directional control and operators protection along with a comfortable space. Our equipment addressed these needs, with its proven ergonomics for operational efficiency,” remarked Mamoun Mutair, the product manager – Building Construction & Paving, Al-Bahar.

“With Al-Bahar, both their products and they as a dealer were flexible. We required equipment that was a Reach truck with features of an articulated lift truck to work in narrow working aisles. Al-Bahar team was receptive to our requirements. They understood our needs appropriately and offered us solutions that would work optimally, for our kind of warehouses,” he added.

As part of the deal, Al Bahar offered eight units of ALL 200 low lifter trucks, three units of each UHD 200 reach trucks and URS 150 free-range reach trucks. The fleet was completed with three units of Cat EP20 Lift Trucks.-TradeArabia News Service