LSL Groupe INTERSPORT improves the working comfort of its operators

The logistics subsidiary of the sports goods retailer INTERSPORT recently installed a telescopic conveyor in its warehouse in Machecoul (Loire-Atlantique), supplied by UVOTec. Designed to facilitate the loading and unloading of heavy and bulky boxes, this equipment aims to improve the working conditions of operators.

When it comes to health and safety at work, the logistics subsidiary of the INTERSPORT group spares no effort. Its latest initiative was implemented on the Machecoul site, which specializes in the management of bicycles and bulky products. The warehouse invested in a telescopic conveyor from the FMH Conveyors brand, distributed in France by UVOTec, an expert in handling solutions. Anthony Allée, the site's logistics project manager, explains this approach: "Given the type of goods we handle, our operators have to handle heavy and bulky boxes that are difficult to grasp when loading and unloading containers. This task, which is often tiring, required numerous load lifts and movements. We therefore looked for a partner to improve the ergonomics of our operators' work on these operations."

Unloading at human height

Since its installation last September, UVOTec's telescopic conveyor has considerably improved the working comfort of handlers. Thanks to this equipment, operators can handle boxes at human height, thus reducing movement and physical effort. The front of the telescopic is equipped with a basket to more easily retrieve packages from containers by sliding them on the conveyor belt. In addition, a height-adjustable platform, located at the end of the conveyor, allows packages to be transferred effortlessly onto mobile racks. The goods are then checked before being stored in the 30,000 m² of the warehouse. On average, 450 packages of 18 kilos are unloaded each day.

Even more comfort

After a brief adaptation phase, the twenty or so operators on the site, trained in the use of the conveyor, quickly got to grips with the equipment. To offer them greater comfort, the conveyor is equipped with lighting that improves visibility inside the containers. A ventilation and heating system also ensures better air quality and increased comfort during cold winter days. Finally, the system has a lateral translation chassis without rails, allowing the conveyor to be moved according to arrivals on four docks. "No civil engineering to dig trenches in the slab was necessary. This is a big plus of the solution", emphasizes Anthony Allée.

A choice validated by logistics operators

After four months of use, a working group was set up to collect feedback from operators and work on areas for improvement aimed at optimizing the use of the conveyor. "UVOTec understood our need and met our expectations", adds the logistics project manager. For example, a protection was added to prevent accidental pressing of the emergency stop button, and the ventilation system was upgraded. “Choosing the UVOTec telescopic conveyor was the best solution for us. Six months after its installation, our teams fully validate this choice. Our operators are less tired at the end of the day, work ergonomically, at the right height, and move around much less,” concludes Anthony Allée.

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