Liberty Wines drives up dispatch efficiency with Thorworld loading ramp
Loading and unloading specialist Thorworld Industries has supplied a van ramp to Liberty Wines to help increase the efficiency of its dispatch operation at the company’s Basingstoke warehouse.
The warehouse is designed with nine loading bays primarily serving inbound trailers. However, as the business evolved, a growing proportion of volume now leaves the site in Liberty Wines’ own vans, changing the demands placed on the facility.
To make better use of the available infrastructure, Liberty Wines converted one of the bays for outbound distribution with a dedicated van ramp. The new arrangement gives the dispatch team a more efficient way to load approximately 20 vans across the ramp each day.
“Thorworld was selected following a review of potential suppliers. Strong customer feedback, responsive communication and competitive pricing all contributed to the decision, while the perceived quality of the Thorworld solution stood out against the alternatives,” explained Iulian Porus, warehouse supervisor at Liberty Wines.
Ensuring a seamless connection with the loading dock presented a specific technical challenge to utilise the existing dock entrance, as Thorworld’s technical and engineering director, Ian Langan, explained:
“The ramp needed to clear the existing dock shelter during installation while ultimately sitting flush with the dock. To achieve this, the main ramp section was installed first, after which a separate section of kerb and handrail was bolted into place. This staged approach provided the necessary clearance without compromising the finished alignment or safe operation of the ramp.”
The ramp was delivered with support from Thorworld dealer Loading Bay Service, and is now in daily operation.
“We are very pleased with the ramp and with the service we received,” said Iulian Porus.
“Communication was good, replies were always fast, and we would highly recommend Thorworld.”
“This project demonstrates how the right loading solution can help a warehouse adapt as distribution requirements change,” said Warren Craig of Loading Bay Service.
“By converting a trailer bay for van loading, Liberty Wines has created a practical, efficient dispatch route that supports its own distribution operation.”
