W. Stevenson and Sons improve safety and operational control with Toyota Material Handling UK’s I_Site fleet management
Working in partnership with Toyota Material Handling UK, W. Stevenson and Sons has enhanced safety, visibility and efficiency through the introduction of I_Site fleet management technology and robust material handling equipment suited to a demanding harbour environment.
About W Stevenson and Sons
W Stevenson and Sons have been catching, landing and selling fish for over 100 years. Based in Newlyn, Cornwall, their fleet of boats operate daily in the Atlantic Ocean, catching a wide variety of fish and seafood that is supplied to the local wholesale market, as well as to restaurants and caterers across the Southwest and beyond.
Newlyn Harbour is one of the busiest in the UK, with a diverse mix of fishing vessels departing each day. During peak season, the harbour also attracts large numbers of visitors keen to experience the Cornish coastline, creating a dynamic and often crowded environment.
Working together to solve an unusual challenge
This unique operating environment presents W Stevenson and Sons with distinct challenges when using material handling equipment. Ensuring the safety of both operators and members of the public is a top priority.
Matt Gilbert, HSE Manager at W. Stevenson and Sons, worked closely with Katie Atkinson, Senior Sales Executive, at Toyota Material Handling UK to identify a solution that would enhance safety and provide uncompromised performance while also reducing administrative demands for the team – helping them increase their operational efficiency.
Katie recommended a trial of Toyota Material Handling’s I_Site fleet management system, designed to prevent unauthorised use of trucks. With built-in pre-operational checks, I_Site ensures that only authorised operators can use the equipment, even in the unlikely situation that keys are left in the truck. In addition, the system digitises reporting and documentation, removing the need for paper records and delivering valuable time and resource savings, and reducing wasted time and paper-based errors.
Following a trial on one of their counterbalance trucks, Matt quickly recognised the benefits of the technology. I_Site enables managers to oversee operations more efficiently, without the need for constant supervision, while still receiving real-time alerts alerting him to unsafe or undesirable behaviours. For instance, repeated failure to complete pre-start checks can be identified and addressed through targeted training.
Matt concluded that I_Site provides an effective balance for both management and operators. Operators are able to carry out their work with confidence and autonomy, while management retains clear visibility of key events and can respond promptly where needed.
The right equipment for the job
W Stevenson and Sons operate three forklift trucks across their site, frequently in challenging outdoor conditions. Their coastal location, and year-round operation means that the trucks often operate on wet, slippery and uneven surfaces, alongside the corrosive effects of salty sea air. As a result, their equipment must be both robust and highly reliable, which Toyota Material Handling are world-renowned for providing.
Toyota Material Handling’s continued support for customers requiring traditionally powered counterbalance trucks - diesel and gas - was a key factor in W. S Stevenson and Sons’ decision to continue their over 10-year partnership with them for their material handling needs.
The tidal nature of the fishing industry means that equipment must be ready for use at a moment’s notice. Any delay, such as a truck being on charge at the wrong moment, could compromise the freshness of the catch or result in missed landing deadlines, creating unnecessary and costly waste within their business. The consistent torque from an internal combustion engine is also essential, as loads are often heavy and handled at short notice.
“In our industry, timing is everything and equipment reliability is essential. Toyota Material Handling’s trucks and I_Site technology have helped us keep operations running smoothly while improving safety and reducing paperwork”, said Matt.
In addition to the counterbalance trucks, Toyota Material Handling UK supplies a galvanised, wet-spec BT Levio powered pallet truck, recommended by Katie following a detailed assessment of the business’s requirements and operating environment. The company also utilises a selection of BT Tyro hand pallet trucks, these are also bespoke stainless steel box trucks, to suit the challenging needs of operating in a busy fish market.
Featuring Toyota Material Handling’s I_Site technology, the modified BT Levio LWE160, is well suited to the demands of the site. The galvanised, wet-spec design ensures reliable performance in harsh coastal conditions, providing an effective solution tailored to W. Stevenson and Sons’ needs, and reducing their need to replace the truck as often due to wear and corrosion. The wet spec Levio is an unpainted version, eliminating the risk of paint flaking and contaminating any sensitive products such as food and chemicals.
Talk to one of our experts today and discover how Toyota Material Handling can support your business’s unique material handling needs. Get in touch below to get started.