Safer, Faster Container Unloading with TAWI Vacuum Lifters at Yusen Logistics

Yusen Logistics has boosted safety and efficiency in its UK warehouse by installing a TAWI Container Unloader with high‑speed vacuum lifters. The mobile system lets operators quickly and ergonomically lift boxes up to 50 kg from all levels in containers, cutting manual handling, unloading time and labour costs, while creating a safer, more inclusive working environment and supporting future growth in container volumes.

Yusen Logistics, a leading global supply chain partner with hundreds of distribution centres worldwide, wanted a safer and more efficient way to unload containers. Manual unloading was slow, physically demanding and carried a high risk of strain and injury for warehouse staff. At the Wellingborough site, unit manager Stephen Cletheroe and his team were actively looking for a flexible, ergonomically sound solution that could speed up the unloading process while protecting employee wellbeing. This led them to TAWI and its innovative container unloading system.

To modernise its goods handling, Yusen Logistics implemented five TAWI vacuum lifters and a complete TAWI Container Unloader solution tailored to its specific needs. The container unloader combines a high‑speed vacuum lifter for boxes up to 50 kg, an adjustable operator platform and a height‑adjustable conveyor. Together, these elements allow operators to quickly and safely lift boxes from all levels inside trailers and shipping containers and place them directly onto pallets or conveyors. Because the system is mobile, Yusen can easily move the unit between loading bays or even between different sites, maximising utilisation of the equipment.

The impact on productivity and costs has been significant. Before installing the TAWI Container Unloader, unloading a single container required five operators, took around 20 hours of labour and cost approximately £400. With the new container unloading solution, only three operators are needed, total work time drops to about 13 hours and the cost per container is reduced to roughly £206. That means Yusen saves around £111 every time a container is unloaded. With an annual volume of about 520 containers – on average two per day – these efficiency gains translate into savings of nearly £58,000 per year, making the TAWI container unloader a highly cost‑effective investment.

Equally important are the health and safety improvements. The TAWI vacuum lifter and container unloading system minimise manual lifting and awkward postures, reducing the risk of musculoskeletal injuries and fatigue. This makes container unloading work more accessible to a wider range of employees, supporting a more diverse and inclusive warehouse workforce. By combining faster goods handling, lower labour costs and a safer working environment, the TAWI Container Unloader has become a key part of Yusen Logistics’ strategy to optimise its warehouse operations and prepare for future growth in container volumes.