Following a fire in 2007, a New Zealand food company found that their entire Fleet of intermediate bulk containers used for storage of dairy products had been wiped out. This required replacement, with the options looked at including rental from Chep and Ceva Pallecon. However, they also approached Matpack, the New Zealand materials handling expert and distributor for IBC Solutions looking for a cost effective alternative available for purchase.
John Crosswell of Matpack explained their requirement: The company decided to build the new warehouse with a higher roof and it therefore wanted storage units that could be stacked higher than previously as well. On the other hand they were wary of cost because while the storage units are an essential part of their process, they do not get used many times in a year.
The one unit that fitted the bill was the Lite 1100. While designed in Australia, the units are manufactured in China. Normally rated to stack 4 high with 1400kg each in static storage, the requirement of 6-7 high with dairy was approved by Engineering at IBC Solutions. Nigel Smalls, CEO, IBC Solutions (Australia) explained that over the years IBC Solutions have improved the container design, yet because they have not been asked, IBC Solutions have not altered the carrying capacity. The spigot stacking aids mean that if customers have the forklift reach, stacking this high is achievable for the design and IBC Solutions were able to confirm the carrying requirement.