July 2011 - New long term transport contract for Western Poles
Friday, 22 July 2011 17:13
IML have secured a new long term transport contract for Western Poles, one of the countries’ largest suppliers of wood poles for utility, construction and agricultural use. The new five year agreement is based upon the extensive input provided by IML into a world first cradle to grave supply chain proposition as part of Western Poles’ new service offering to its main customer in WA.
Although IML have been delivering wood poles under a previous supply arrangement for some time, it was unable to contribute to the improvement of the service offering to the end customer due to the inexperience of the previous supply chain service provider in managing the unique handling requirements of poles. However under this new agreement, IML were called upon to provide a leading edge logistics solution integrating a state of the art hand held sign on glass POD system with Western Poles world first barcoded pole technology and systems. The result is a fully integrated supply chain solution that provides real time tracking of any pole throughout its lifecycle, from harvesting to delivery. This system provides the end user with real time POD to customers including GPS and delivery site picture information.
The new agreement commenced in late 2010 utilising an initial 5 dedicated truck fleet fully branded in Western Poles’ impressive livery and has so far delivered nearly 10,000 poles to all parts of the end customers electricity grid - all on time and importantly incident free, an impressive result given this new supply arrangement is only 6 months into its tenure. Further value added services that IML has contributed are the ability to add up to 4 additional delivery vehicles depending on demand with fully trained drivers, suitably qualified traffic controllers and safety observers, and a dedicated customer service officer to schedule all routine and emergency deliveries 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
An example of the innovative approach adopted by IML is the commissioning of a new Epsilon grapple crane mounted to a Volvo FM9 8x4 prime mover for the daily pole deliveries in the Perth metro area. After extensive and careful analysis of the job risks and specific delivery requirements of the metro area, the decision was made to trial the specially built crane from Austria. The new crane was the first of its type ever used in WA and allowed the operator to sit at the top of the crane out of the potential hazard zone on the ground exposed to traffic in busy public areas. The top view also gave the operator the best vision possible when working in close proximity to overhead powerlines, ensuring the safety of the operator at all times, and the benefit of control of the pole at all times negating the need for a dedicated dogman. The new unit has been a resounding success resulting in increased performance. As a result IML has ordered its second unit which will be commissioned in the near future to assist with metro deliveries on the new contract.
IML is extremely proud of its new service agreement with Western Poles and looks forward to building a long and successful relationship with their premier customer into the future. Western Poles Managing Director Anthony Ridolfo adds, “IML have been instrumental in assisting Western Poles deliver their new world first barcoded pole product with full tracking and traceability. Their experience, knowhow and dedication to perform to expectation along with the dedicated equipment customised to our requirements and impressive professionalism made it an easy decision to commit to IML”