Friday 15th May 2026
Introduction
Manual container unloading is one of the most physically demanding tasks in warehouse and logistics operations. Boxes, bags and mixed goods often need to be lifted, carried, sorted and palletised at speed, placing repeated strain on operators and increasing the risk of fatigue or musculoskeletal injuries.This case study from our supplier TAWI shows how SODISE, a French distributor of tools, workshop equipment and consumables, improved its container unloading process using the TAWI Container Unloader — a mobile vacuum lifting solution designed to make container handling safer, faster and more ergonomic.
As a supplier of TAWI lifting solutions in Ireland, Prolift supports businesses looking to reduce manual handling risks, improve warehouse productivity and create safer working environments for their teams.
About TAWI
TAWI is a global specialist in ergonomic lifting solutions, with a strong focus on vacuum lifting, mobile handling systems and semi-automated material handling equipment.
TAWI products are designed to help operators lift, move, tilt and palletise loads with less physical strain. Their solutions are widely used across logistics, warehousing, manufacturing, food and beverage, pharmaceutical, automotive and distribution environments.
For businesses that handle repetitive lifting tasks, TAWI systems can help reduce manual handling pressure while improving workflow efficiency.
TAWI is a global specialist in ergonomic lifting solutions, with a strong focus on vacuum lifting, mobile handling systems and semi-automated material handling equipment.
TAWI products are designed to help operators lift, move, tilt and palletise loads with less physical strain. Their solutions are widely used across logistics, warehousing, manufacturing, food and beverage, pharmaceutical, automotive and distribution environments.
For businesses that handle repetitive lifting tasks, TAWI systems can help reduce manual handling pressure while improving workflow efficiency.
Customer
SODISE is based in France and supplies tools, consumables and workshop equipment to professionals across sectors such as agriculture, automotive and industrial vehicles. The company’s own website describes SODISE as a manufacturer, assembler and wholesaler of tools, equipment and consumables for professionals, with more than 20,000 references and 100 brands.
At its facility in Briec, France, SODISE receives multi-product shipping containers that need to be unloaded and then sorted onto single-product pallets. According to the TAWI case study, these containers include a mixture of bulky bags and heavy boxes, with typical item weights ranging from 15 kg to 50 kg.
At its facility in Briec, France, SODISE receives multi-product shipping containers that need to be unloaded and then sorted onto single-product pallets. According to the TAWI case study, these containers include a mixture of bulky bags and heavy boxes, with typical item weights ranging from 15 kg to 50 kg.
The Challenge: Manual Container Unloading Was Creating Fatigue and Safety Risks
Before introducing the TAWI system, SODISE’s team unloaded containers manually.
Before introducing the TAWI system, SODISE’s team unloaded containers manually.
On average, the company needed to unload around five containers per week. Each container was handled by a team of four to five people, who manually removed goods from the container and then palletised them once they reached the dock. The process took approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes per container.
The main issue was not simply the time involved. The more serious concern was the physical impact on operators.
Repeated manual handling of heavy and awkward goods led to:
- Operator fatigue
- Back pain
- Arm pain
- Increased risk of musculoskeletal disorders
- Heavy reliance on several people for one unloading task
- Reduced capacity to unload additional containers comfortably in the same day
The Solution: TAWI Container Unloader
In the SODISE application, the process was improved in two key stages:
1. Faster container unloading
The TAWI Container Unloader helps remove items such as boxes and bulky bags from inside the container. The weight of the load is supported by the vacuum lifter, reducing the physical strain on the operator.
The integrated conveyor then helps move products out of the container efficiently, improving flow from the container to the dock area.
2. Easier palletising
Once products reach the palletising area, a TAWI vacuum lifter mounted on a mobile jib can be used to lift items from the conveyor and place them onto pallets.
The system also allows operators to change between different suction feet, making it suitable for handling various product types, shapes and packaging formats.
SODISE contacted TAWI to find a safer and more efficient way to unload shipping containers.
TAWI worked with the company to design a workflow using mobile lifting equipment. The key product used was the TAWI Container Unloader, a vacuum lifting system designed specifically for unloading goods from shipping containers and trailers.
The system allows the operator to lift and move products without carrying the full weight manually. Instead of relying on physical strength, the vacuum lifter takes the load, while the operator guides the item into position.
TAWI worked with the company to design a workflow using mobile lifting equipment. The key product used was the TAWI Container Unloader, a vacuum lifting system designed specifically for unloading goods from shipping containers and trailers.
The system allows the operator to lift and move products without carrying the full weight manually. Instead of relying on physical strength, the vacuum lifter takes the load, while the operator guides the item into position.
In the SODISE application, the process was improved in two key stages:
1. Faster container unloading
The TAWI Container Unloader helps remove items such as boxes and bulky bags from inside the container. The weight of the load is supported by the vacuum lifter, reducing the physical strain on the operator.
The integrated conveyor then helps move products out of the container efficiently, improving flow from the container to the dock area.
2. Easier palletising
Once products reach the palletising area, a TAWI vacuum lifter mounted on a mobile jib can be used to lift items from the conveyor and place them onto pallets.
The system also allows operators to change between different suction feet, making it suitable for handling various product types, shapes and packaging formats.
The Results for SODISE
After introducing the TAWI solution, SODISE saw improvements in both safety and productivity.
According to the case study, the system helped SODISE reduce the number of people required inside the container from four people to one. Operators also reported less back pain and no arm pain after using the vacuum lifters
After introducing the TAWI solution, SODISE saw improvements in both safety and productivity.
According to the case study, the system helped SODISE reduce the number of people required inside the container from four people to one. Operators also reported less back pain and no arm pain after using the vacuum lifters
The Results
After introducing the TAWI solution, SODISE saw improvements in both safety and productivity. The container unloading process became less physically demanding for operators, while also helping the business improve workflow and reduce reliance on multiple people carrying heavy goods manually.
| Area | Improvement |
|---|---|
| Manual handling | Reduced need for operators to physically carry heavy goods |
| Labour use | Fewer people required inside the container during unloading |
| Ergonomics | Less strain on backs, arms and shoulders |
| Productivity | Faster and more controlled unloading process |
| Operator fatigue | Operators were able to unload additional containers more comfortably |
| Safety | Reduced exposure to repetitive heavy lifting and manual handling risks |
For businesses unloading containers, trailers or mixed goods regularly, this type of ergonomic handling solution can make a significant difference to both employee wellbeing and operational efficiency.
Why This Matters forWarehouses and Distribution Centres
Manual unloading may seem straightforward, but the risks increase when the work is repetitive, time-sensitive or involves heavy, awkward or mixed-size products. Over time, this can lead to fatigue, reduced productivity, handling injuries and pressure on staffing.
A solution such as the TAWI Container Unloader can be particularly useful for businesses handling:
- Shipping containers
- Mixed boxes and cartons
- Bags and sacks
- E-commerce and distribution goods
- Food and beverage products
- Pharmaceutical or industrial supplies
- Automotive and workshop products
- Warehouse replenishment operations
How Prolift Can Help
Prolift supplies TAWI lifting solutions in Ireland, supporting companies that want to improve safety, ergonomics and efficiency in their handling processes.
Our team can help assess your application and recommend the most suitable TAWI system for your operation, whether you are unloading containers, palletising goods, moving boxes, handling sacks or improving repetitive lifting tasks across your warehouse.
If your team is still unloading containers manually, the SODISE example shows how the right lifting solution can make a measurable difference to both operator wellbeing and productivity.
Make an Enquiry or Request a Quote
To contact Prolift, please complete our enquiry form or call us directly.