Introduction
Warehouse operations require efficient, reliable equipment for maintaining facilities and managing inventory at height. This case study examines how a major distribution center in Brazil reduced operational costs and improved productivity by investing in Dingli electric scissor lifts from GMH Lift.
Client Background
Company: Brasil Distribuição Logística (name changed for privacy)
Location: São Paulo, Brazil
Industry: Third-party logistics and warehousing
Facility size: 85,000 square meters
Challenge: Maintaining lighting, fire suppression systems, and racking in a high-bay warehouse environment
The Challenge
Brasil Distribuição Logística faced several operational challenges in their large distribution center:
- High ceilings: Clear height of 12 meters requiring reliable access equipment
- Indoor air quality: Zero emissions required for worker health and product safety
- Narrow aisles: Limited space between racking (3.5m width)
- Continuous operations: 24/7 facility with minimal downtime windows
- Multiple tasks: Lighting maintenance, sprinkler inspection, racking repair, inventory management
- Cost pressure: Need to reduce maintenance costs while improving service levels
- Previous equipment issues: Old rental scissor lifts caused frequent breakdowns
The Solution
After evaluating multiple options, Brasil Distribuição Logística partnered with GMH Lift to purchase:
- 8 units of Dingli JCPT1212DC Electric Scissor Lifts
- Working height: 12m (39ft 4in)
- Platform height: 10m (32ft 10in)
- Platform capacity: 450kg (992lbs)
- Platform size: 2.3m × 1.2m (fits 2-3 workers)
- Zero emissions (electric battery power)
- Compact design for narrow aisles
- Non-marking tires for warehouse floors
- Low noise operation (< 70 dB)
Implementation
Phase 1: Facility Assessment (Week 1)
GMH Lift conducted detailed site surveys to understand:
- Aisle widths and turning radius requirements
- Floor loading capacity
- Charging station locations
- Specific maintenance tasks and frequencies
Phase 2: Infrastructure Preparation (Week 2)
Facility modifications included:
- Installation of 4 charging stations strategically located
- Designated parking areas for scissor lifts
- Safety signage and floor markings
- Integration with facility management system
Phase 3: Training (Week 3)
Comprehensive training program for 24 operators:
- Safe operation procedures (8 hours per operator)
- Daily inspection checklists
- Battery management and charging protocols
- Emergency procedures
- Basic troubleshooting
Phase 4: Phased Rollout (Week 4-6)
Equipment deployed in phases to minimize disruption:
- Zone A (20,000 sqm) – Week 4
- Zone B (25,000 sqm) – Week 5
- Zone C (40,000 sqm) – Week 6
Results
After 9 months of operation, Brasil Distribuição Logística achieved exceptional results:
Productivity Gains
- 55% faster maintenance task completion
- 80% reduction in setup time vs. scaffolding
- 35% increase in preventive maintenance frequency
- 99% equipment availability rate
Cost Savings
- 45% reduction in annual maintenance costs
- R$180,000 annual savings in equipment rental elimination
- 30% lower energy costs (electric vs. previous diesel equipment)
- ROI achieved in 6 months
Operational Improvements
- Zero unplanned downtime due to equipment failure
- Improved worker satisfaction with modern, comfortable equipment
- Better facility uptime with faster maintenance response
- Enhanced safety culture throughout organization
Environmental Benefits
- Zero emissions in indoor environment
- Reduced noise pollution improving worker comfort
- Lower carbon footprint vs. previous diesel equipment
Client Testimonial
“The Dingli scissor lifts from GMH Lift have exceeded our expectations. The compact design fits perfectly in our narrow aisles, the battery life easily handles full shifts, and the reliability has been outstanding. We’ve eliminated all scaffolding rentals and completed more preventive maintenance than ever before. The cost savings alone justified the investment in less than 6 months.”
— Facilities Director, Brasil Distribuição Logística
Key Success Factors
- Right equipment selection: Dingli JCPT1212DC matched exact requirements
- Proper training: Well-trained operators ensure safe, efficient use
- Strategic charging infrastructure: Convenient charging stations maximize uptime
- Preventive maintenance: Regular servicing prevents breakdowns
- Local support: GMH Lift’s South America service network provides rapid response
Battery Management Best Practices
Learnings from 9 months of operation:
- Charge batteries during low-activity periods (lunch breaks, shift changes)
- Maintain 20-80% charge level for optimal battery life
- Use opportunity charging throughout the day
- Monitor battery health with built-in diagnostics
- Keep spare batteries for high-demand periods
Conclusion
This case study demonstrates the significant operational and financial benefits of investing in quality electric scissor lifts for warehouse operations. GMH Lift’s expertise in equipment selection, training, and regional support enabled Brasil Distribuição Logística to achieve substantial cost reductions while improving maintenance quality and worker safety.
For warehouse and distribution operators in South America, Southeast Asia, Middle East, Africa, or Eastern Europe looking to optimize their facility maintenance operations, GMH Lift offers comprehensive solutions including equipment selection, operator training, and after-sales support.
About GMH Lift
GMH Lift is a leading exporter of aerial work platforms and construction machinery, serving customers worldwide with premium brands including Genie, JLG, Skyjack, Haulotte, Dingli, Zoomlion, and Sinoboom. Contact us today for a consultation on your specific requirements.