Barr Soft Drinks has installed a modular dock and loading ramp from Thorworld Industries at its warehouse in Cumbernauld, to provide improved safety and efficiency in loading and unloading its product range, including the famous IRN-BRU.
The company’s existing dock system had reached its end of life after being in service for 15 years. Barr Soft Drinks took the opportunity to make a significant change, as Jim McCubbin, the company’s HS&E Business Partner (Logistics & Commercial) explained:
“The standard dock layouts built back then don’t take into account the different types of vehicles in use today. We wanted something with greater flexibility.”
In particular, Barr was moving towards the use of multi-modal steel rail boxes for freight deliveries between its sites in Cumbernauld and Milton Keynes, and to the distribution centres of major multiples retailers. Accordingly, safety was paramount.
Jim knew who to ask for a solution. “I’ve worked with Thorworld before, when I was Head of Safety at my previous company. We installed a Thorworld ramp and dock in 2014 to support with contract packing, and it’s still being used today.”
Thorworld’s distributor, Loading Bay Service (LBS) visited to walk Jim through the options. An important consideration for LBS’ Warren Craig was that the loading/unloading system not just be appropriate for the here and now, but be future proofed too.
“We proposed they take two ramps on a six-month trial to prove the efficiencies that would be achieved, as well as to help the Barr logistics team to adapt to the new way of working,” explained Warren Craig. “Some were unsure at first, but as soon as they started working with the Thorworld products and saw how good they were, they realised the truth of what Jim had been telling them!”
Then, at the beginning of 2024, the bespoke modular dock and Thorworld Deluxe Type 6 ramp were installed. The system has a capacity of 6,000 kg single axle, well within the tolerances anticipated by Barr for loading and unloading via forklift truck.
To maximise safety, the solution is built with access steps via a side platform, antislip surfaces, LED traffic lights, handrails and dock bumpers.
The Thorworld system has been in constant use since installation, providing a safe, robust and efficient means of handling incoming and outgoing deliveries. Jim McCubbin organised a walk & talk with Barr’s safety team, which has led to further ideas and improvements, including the addition of line markings.
“My main aim for this project was to make sure life is easier – and safer – for the guys on the ground,” confirmed Jim McCubbin. “That’s definitely ‘mission accomplished’ thanks to Thorworld and LBS. The team at Thorworld have been exceptional from start to finish and nothing seems to be an issue.”
