As the Managing Director of Melbourne’s Womersley Mitre 10, a business founded by his grandfather in 1959, Peter Womersley is all too familiar with the difficulties that can arise when handling long loads. Womersley Mitre 10’s flagship site in Frankston VIC is prime real estate, with a shopping centre on one side, and the newly opened Mornington Freeway on the other. And while this location offers many advantages, the only drawback is that there is simply no room to grow outwards.
Jack Womersley, Peter’s grandfather, started milling timber in Frankston in 1922, before going on to become one of the founders of Mitre 10. The customer base and goodwill built up over the last century with local community support is not something that Peter, or his brothers would ever want to lose. All agree, then, that the location is too important to consider moving. But with almost every square inch of the site now covered in either retail space or timber storage, the challenge for handling building materials in the business is twofold – increasing storage density without losing accessibility to product, and transporting long loads down the narrow access lanes surrounding and bisecting the site.
Concludes Peter: “Obviously we look at the cost of operations and want to do things as efficiently as possible, but most importantly, we don’t put a price on safety. When it comes to handling long beams, we don’t ever want to be cutting corners by using the wrong forklift when our sideloaders are readily available.”
The Challenge: Navigating Tight Spaces and Long Loads
The Womersley Mitre 10 site layout poses unique challenges for handling timber and building materials. As Andrew Rolfe, yard manager and a long-time team member at Womersley Mitre 10, explains:
“The site has always had a lot of uneven ground and tight alleyways to navigate. We have long packs of framing and decking materials that need to be moved from the front to the back of the building. With a handle long loads efficiently and safely. Previously, we used front loaders and older forklifts, but they weren’t ideal for the site conditions or the type of work we do.”
To overcome these challenges, Womersley Mitre 10 turned to Baumann and their electric sideloaders, known for their precision, durability, and ability to operate seamlessly in demanding environments.
The Solution: Upgrading to Baumann Electric Sideloaders
Womersley Mitre 10 had already experienced Baumann’s capabilities, having previously used an older diesel Baumann sideloader. Recognizing the need for a more efficient, environmentally friendly solution, the team decided to upgrade to a Baumann electric sideloader.
The change made a big impression on everyone, as Andrew notes:
“It’s like driving a rocket ship. The Baumann sideloader handles our long packs effortlessly, navigating the tight spaces and uneven ground with ease. It’s so much smoother and easier to drive compared to the older equipment.”
Andrew looked at alternatives, considering a multidirectional Combilift but felt a robust machine was needed.
“We looked at the Combilifts, and I felt that because of the smaller wheelbase with the uneven surfaces, it might not be that suitable for what we want. So we talked to Baumann and they came up with the solution.”
The Baumann sideloader is primarily used to:
- Move long framing materials and decking from the front to the back of the site.
- Place long packs into overhead storage areas with precision.
- Handle deliveries and loading for trade customers efficiently.
The Benefits: Efficiency, Reliability, and Sustainability
The Baumann electric sideloader has brought several key benefits to Womersley Mitre 10:
- Improved Manoeuvrability in Tight Spaces
The narrow driveway and tight site layout are no longer a challenge. The sideloader’s ability to carry long loads sideways and turn in tight spaces has streamlined operations, saving time and effort. - Reduced Maintenance and Downtime
Andrew notes:
“The electric Baumann requires very little maintenance compared to the older diesel models. It’s reliable and always ready when we need it.”
The electric system has significantly reduced maintenance costs while improving uptime, ensuring the machine is always available for the demanding day-to-day tasks.
- Environmental Benefits
With zero emissions and no need for diesel or petrol, the electric Baumann aligns with modern sustainability goals. This is particularly important as the industry moves toward greener solutions. - Operator Comfort and Ease of Use
The Baumann sideloader offers a smoother, quieter experience for operators. Its intuitive controls and reduced vibration contribute to better comfort, ensuring staff can work more efficiently without fatigue.
The Results: Streamlined Timber Handling for Trade and Retail Customers
Baumann Australia’s Craig Armstrong-Fray believes the new machine has not only made a big impact but will continue to help the business maximise its storage density. Said Craig:
“With boundary limitations on all four sides of the site, Womersley also needed to maximise storage density. At the same time, it’s vital for all of their product range to be available to pick at a moment’s notice, so selectivity was also critical. The Baumann ELX not only has the ability to operate in just 2 metres of aisle width, but Womersley’s model also has a 6.3m mast lift height, creating an incredibly dense storage cube which all but eliminates wasted space in all three axis”
Womersley Mitre 10’s commitment to servicing both retail customers and the building trade has been greatly enhanced by the Baumann electric sideloader. Whether handling long timber packs, decking, or framing, the sideloader delivers unmatched efficiency and accuracy.
Andrew concludes:
“Switching to Baumann has made our work so much easier. It’s faster, more reliable, and better for the environment. For a family business like ours, it’s about keeping things running smoothly for our customers and our team. Baumann has delivered exactly what we needed.”
Looking Ahead
For Womersley Mitre 10, the Baumann electric sideloader represents a perfect blend of tradition and modern innovation. By upgrading their equipment, they continue to honor their legacy while positioning the business for future success. With their expanded operations and focus on serving the building trade, Womersley Mitre 10 is well-equipped to tackle the challenges of a growing industry—efficiently, sustainably, and with the same dedication to quality that began nearly a century ago.
