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 A couple of issues ago, we ran the double-page
story on the search for New Zealand’s oldest
forklift, and since then I’ve had the occasional
phone call or email to alert me to other classic examples
– such as this little beauty (right) snapped by Graeme Scarf
of Dunedin’s Merton Equipment.
In his email, Graeme says: “Thanks for the interesting
article on Chris Hanes’ Towmotor lift trucks in the February/
March issue of FTD. I’ve attached a photo of the letterbox
belonging to the owners of a well-known Nelson forklift
company. It’s a Wrigley E650 which was manufactured by
Wessex Industries in Poole, Dorset, in the UK, and was
distributed in New Zealand by the Andrews and Beaven
Company from the late 1950s to approximately 1970.”
Those living in the Nelson region will recognise the letterbox as belonging to Kim and Colleen
Murdoch of NFL (Nelson Forktrucks Ltd). Can anyone better this for a postbox?
Whilst trying to find out more about the machine, I contacted Robert Farmer in the UK, a self professed
Wrigley enthusiast and organiser of the Wrigley Owners’ Club. In his reply email,
Robert says: “The E650 (electric) was a development of an earlier model, the Wrigley 350 (petrol),
which was powered by a Villiers Mark 25 engine and driven through an Albion gearbox. Wessex
Industries manufactured a wide range of equipment for industry, agriculture and horticulture.”
Robert acknowledges Leo and Dawn Caunter of Christchurch (Wrigley Owners’ Club members)
for confirming the details.
The cold storage industry was shocked in April by the explosion at one of its member’s sites. Icepak
Coolstores in Tamahere, just outside of Hamilton, erupted in a f reball which killed one firefighter
and badly injured seven others. Fire engulfed the facility, causing extensive damage. Investigations
by the Fire Service and the Department of Labour, amongst others, are still underway as we go to
print, but the source of the fi re is believed to be an explosion of flammable propane LPG gas.
The NZ Cold Storage Association has since announced that the Institute of Professional Engineers
of New Zealand (IPENZ) has initiated a review of the design of cold storage facilities, with
particular emphasis on the use of refrigeration fl uids, insulation techniques, sprinkler technology,
appropriate structures, and other matters pertinent to the design of cool stores. Rachel Harvie,
the association’s chief executive, says: “There is considerable interest in the review from many
interested groups and individuals. It is recognised that there will be a need to maintain a sensible
balance across several disciplines to ensure that the fi nal outcome does not place undue expectations
on the design requirements of cold stores.”
In this edition, we kick-start a brand new series that profiles some of New Zealand’s leaders in the
materials handling industry. Submitted by our friendly MH specialist writer, Hugh Patterson, this
should be an interesting read. As Hugh says, catch them here or wait for the book!
Finally, it is with some regret that we announce that Bevan Ackerman is leaving us. His role as sales
manager will be picked up by Alan Reid – more on Alan in the next edition.
Until next time …
Lynne Richardson
Contact the Editor . |
