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TABS Relies on HUBTEX PHOENIX Sideloaders for New Distribution Centre

Twelve electric multidirectional sideloaders ensure efficient supply for the southern region—reliable indoor and outdoor handling of long loads.

To the PHOENIX product

TABS equips its new Tilburg distribution centre with twelve electric HUBTEX PHOENIX MQ35 sideloaders

Starting Point: New Build, High Throughput, Long Loads

Timber and Building Supplies Holland N.V. (TABS) has commissioned a new distribution centre in Tilburg to serve customers in the southern region of the Netherlands more quickly and with greater planning certainty. The requirements for the materials handling equipment were clearly defined: cost-effective transport of timber and building materials in varying lengths, safe operation in narrow aisles, and robust outdoor performance on pavers and Stelcon slabs. Prior to investing, TABS carried out an extensive market review and tested the PHOENIX series for one month under real operating conditions.

Solution: Twelve PHOENIX Sideloaders for Indoor and Outdoor Operation

Based on the test results, TABS chose twelve electric HUBTEX PHOENIX MQ35 multidirectional sideloaders. The oscillating four-wheel chassis is the foundation for combined use: floor-friendly in the warehouse and true-tracking on uneven outdoor surfaces. The 360° HX steering enables smooth transitions between longitudinal travel, lateral travel, and circular manoeuvring without stopping—an advantage when moving between block storage, racking aisles, and lorry staging areas.
Ergonomic and safe working conditions are supported by the spacious Q900 cab with an air-suspended seat and a clear line of sight to both load and travel path. Additional features that enhance process reliability include sensor-based aisle guidance for narrow-aisle operation, camera systems, lift-height display, and automatic horizontal fork levelling.
Different mast configurations with lift heights of 7,600 and 9,600 mm cover both low put-away tasks and high rack locations—improving space utilisation and storage density at the new site.

 

HUBTEX multidirectional forklift PHOENIX MQ35 stores long and bulky timber

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Result: Stable Throughput and Predictable Availability

After one year in operation, performance metrics confirm the decision: the MQ35 multidirectional sideloaders ensure continuous material flow from receiving through to despatch—whether handling long timber bundles, sheet goods, or palletised building materials. Switching between indoor and outdoor areas is possible without rehandling or additional vehicles, reducing empty travel and simplifying shift planning.
If an issue does occur, HUBTEX Netherlands’ 24-hour service provides fast response times. For TABS, the combination of electric drive technology, application-specific equipment, and strong service availability delivers double value: the distribution centre achieves the required throughput rates while maintaining a high level of operational safety—and remains flexible for future volume fluctuations.
The twelve PHOENIX MQ35 sideloaders therefore form the backbone of standardised, safe, and efficient long-load handling at the Tilburg location.
 

HUBTEX sideloader in operation

Driver from TABS Tilburg picks goods with HUBTEX multidirectional sideloader
HUBTEX multidirectional forklift PHOENIX MQ35 stores long and bulky timber
HUBTEX multi-directional forklift uses the integrated aisle entry aid
HUBTEX Phoenix Mq35 in narrow aisle at Tabs Tilburg
Handling long timber in a narrow aisle
HUBTEX vehicle in use in a narrow aisle
TABS uses HUBTEX Phoenix in narrow aisles
HUBTEX Phoenix MQ35 in outdoor use at TABS Tilburg
HUBTEX electric multidirectional forklift PHOENIX stores wood outdoors