A-Safer way around the world for Kimberly Clark

15 April 2010

Global manufacturer Kimberly Clark has upgraded its safety standards across its plants internationally with thanks to safety barrier specialist A-Safe. Since trialling a small section of double-rail traffic barrier at its paper pulping line in Flint, UK, Kimberly Clark has not looked back and has appointed A-Safe as an approved supplier worldwide, with A-Safe now installed across its warehouses internationally including Europe and the USA.

Since 2005, the blue-chip company has seen the benefits of the polymer-based safety barrier systems over and above steel equivalents by providing the strength and durability of steel, with the flexibility, and reduced maintenance of plastic.

The plastic used has a special in-built memory, similar to an elastic band, so any impact will be absorbed and then will automatically spring back to its original shape. Therefore, unlike its steel contemporaries, the A-Safe plastic does not need to be replaced or repaired each time it is hit.

Jmaes Smith, Director of A-Safe explained: "We first approached Kimberley Clark at Flint in 2005 who were very sceptical about what we could offer. They allowed us a trial, and gave us a section of gantry to protect which was constantly being destroyed by fork lift trucks. It was a very vulnerable area of the factory and no-one believed that A-Safe’s barriers would fair any better than the steel ones used previously. The workers made a bet that it would be down within a week! Within months they had placed an order for the whole site.

"Five year’s later we are now an approved supplier helping them to maintain their enviable health and safety records all over the world. The Kimberly Clark success story keeps rolling on, with new contracts coming in across America and we are now moving into Asia too – all on the back of a trial they never believed would work!"

A-Safe polymer barriers use an innovative blend of polypropylene to create a high impact absorption range of safety barriers, and it is this method which has appealed to Kimberly Clark so much. The plastic used has a special in-built memory, similar to an elastic band, so any impact will be absorbed and then will automatically spring back to its original shape. Therefore, unlike its steel contemporaries, the A-Safe plastic does not need to be replaced or repaired each time it is hit, saving thousands in maintenance, repair and replacement costs.

Miguel Perez, Safety Environmental Manager at Kimberly Clark’s modern plant in Spain said: "When we were looking round for safety barriers, A-Safe was recommended to us. We’re very glad that we followed this recommendation, as the barriers have proved a real success.

"Apart from being simple and easy to install, they provide the highest standards of safety, with excellent durability and they have a smart, attractive appearance. Our workers and management team both really appreciate A-Safe, because they make them feel much safer now."