UniCarriers Americas streamlines forklift customization

To meet the specialized needs of its freight customers, UniCarriers Americas (UCA) is increasing the number of standard options on its Platinum II, Nomad, and BX Cushion series lift trucks. More than 21 new options, previously only available as custom orders, will become part of UCA's inventory.

As part of this program, UCA has also modified its manufacturing process. The company now fulfills custom orders concurrently within the manufacturing process, with trucks being modified as they come down the assembly line. Traditionally, custom orders were modified off the manufacturing line. When trucks are ordered with the new standard options, this new, highly efficient process reduces lead times by over five weeks.

The new standard options will become available in December for both internal-combustion engine and electric-powered trucks.

Examples of UniCarriers' new options include an "extended debris package," which offers additional protection from shrink-wrap and other debris commonly found in warehouse environments, and remote jumper cable posts, which are designed for applications that experience severe battery drain from repeated engine start/stop cycles and high current draw from accessories. The posts allow operators to charge batteries without opening the hood.

"We've listened to the needs of our customers and worked with them to develop extremely intricate customization that is done quickly and cost-effectively," Director, Corporate Planning Mark Porwit said in a statement announcing the new program. "The result offers end users extremely customizable trucks, which can now be delivered faster than ever."

Marengo, Ill.-based UniCarriers Americas, a unit of the world's third-largest forklift company, provides internal combustion and electric-powered forklifts, pallet trucks, tow tractors, walkie-stackers, and reach trucks.