HELLO DOLLY – NEW PRODUCT TAKES CENTRE STAGE IN THEATRE OF MANUFACTURING

Aldershot-based machine element manufacturer FATH Components continues to introduce new product families to add to its ‘Lean’ range of Industry 4.0 offerings. 12 key products have already been revealed, with a further addition arriving shortly in the form of a new load-carrying dolly. It is aimed squarely at manufacturers keen to reduce both operating costs and carbon footprint by eliminating the use of gas, diesel or battery powered load carrying devices between locations on the shop floor.FATH states that the new dollies are a perfect fit for small loads and Euro pallets, and that the dollies are available with a choice of either four swivelling wheels or two fixed and two swivelling. To assure smooth and safe use on different types of factory/warehouse flooring, the wheels can be specified in different materials and are premium quality items sourced from Blickle, world leaders in castor technology. Moreover, unlike many cheaper alternatives, the castors fitted to FATH trollies are fully interchangeable to offer customers even greater freedoms of use. A handy drawbar facility on the new dollies means that small trains can be utilised when necessary.

Other products in the new ‘Lean’ range include many of the elements which remain vital to efficient manufacturing processes including visual pockets, label holders (both self-adhesive and magnetic), shelf label systems and a new collection of floor-mounted signage. A selection of briefing boards, note boards, Kanban labelling devices and magnetic document holders complete the new wave of useful equipment now available in the extended FATH ‘Lean’ range.

Commenting on the arrival of the new additions to a standard stock list that now exceeds 23,000 different machine elements and assistive manufacturing equipment, much of it available ex-stock from Aldershot, FATH Components UK Managing Director David Hayes says “The imminent introduction of the new dolly system will be welcomed by an increasing number of operators, especially SME’s that cannot justify the costs of powered Euro container or pallet handling. Larger manufacturing plants with the need to move things between departments will also recognise the advantages of small size and greater flexibility”.