As ReCorp continued its rapid growth and expanded into a new warehouse facility, maintaining a safe environment for both pedestrians and forklift operators became a key priority. To proactively reduce risks associated with vehicle and pedestrian interaction, the business implemented Rearsense’s KIGIS Proximity Detection System across its operations.
With five forklifts operating daily throughout the warehouse and increasing staff movement across the site, ReCorp recognised the importance of investing in a layered safety solution before incidents occurred.
A Growing Business Focused on Safety
Founded by some of New Zealand’s leading business and beverage packaging specialists, ReCorp delivers one of the country’s widest ranges of aluminium beverage cans and packaging solutions. From water and energy drinks through to coffee, beer, RTDs, and wine, ReCorp supports beverage brands with innovative packaging options and customisation.
The business has experienced significant growth, expanding from just six staff members to a team of more than 50 employees operating within a busy warehouse and manufacturing environment.
According to Health & Safety Manager, Marlene Koekemoer, the combination of forklift activity, high pallet loads, and pedestrian movement created an environment where visibility challenges needed to be carefully managed.
“Noise and forklift movement around the site carrying large pallets with product stacked high limits driver visibility. We also have operational staff and administrative staff moving throughout the warehouse, so detecting both people and machines is extremely important.”
Addressing Blind Spots and Pedestrian Risks
The KIGIS Proximity Detection System was installed as part of a proactive safety strategy following a safety assessment of the new warehouse facility.
Using advanced ultra-wideband RF technology, the KIGIS system delivers real-time 360° detection between pedestrians, forklifts, and fixed danger zones throughout the site. The system alerts both operators and pedestrians when risks are detected, helping improve awareness in high-traffic and low-visibility areas.
At ReCorp, all forklifts are fitted with KIGIS vehicle tags, while warehouse staff and frequent site visitors wear personal detection tags as part of their required PPE.
“Blind spots are an everyday challenge in parts of the warehouse. The KIGIS system gives peace of mind that both drivers and pedestrians are alerted to potential unseen risks.”
One of the standout features for the ReCorp team has been the system’s ability to detect through obstacles such as concrete walls, helping improve awareness even in difficult operating conditions.
The business has also installed an external alert light at the warehouse entry to further increase visibility and awareness for people entering forklift operating zones.
Easy Adoption Across the Team
One of the key advantages of the KIGIS system has been how quickly staff adapted to the technology.
New employees are issued a detector tag as part of their induction and onboarding process on their first day, ensuring the system becomes part of normal site operations from the beginning.
“We experienced no resistance from staff at all. Everyone adapted very quickly and understands the importance of the safety measures.”
ReCorp’s leadership team has also played an important role in reinforcing the company’s safety culture.
“Our CEO is very proactive in using the detector and leading by example. Every time he enters the warehouse, he wears his device.”
Proactive Safety with Long-Term Benefits
Unlike many safety investments that are implemented following incidents, ReCorp introduced KIGIS proactively to help prevent risks before they occurred.
Since installing the system, the business has experienced no near misses or incidents involving forklifts and pedestrians.
The system has also helped improve overall awareness and behaviour throughout the warehouse.
“The detectors and alert system have made people more aware of their surroundings.”
While the system itself has been simple to manage day to day, the team identified that ensuring pedestrian tags remain charged is important for maintaining continuous protection. ReCorp is now implementing a dedicated charging station to make the process even easier for staff.
A Safety System They’re Proud to Showcase
ReCorp regularly welcomes visitors and manufacturers to their facility, many of whom have shown strong interest in the KIGIS system after seeing it operating live on site.
“We are proud to show the system in action when we have visitors to the site. Many large New Zealand manufacturers have been impressed with the system and asked for details of the provider.”
When asked whether they would recommend the KIGIS Proximity Detection System to other warehousing and manufacturing businesses, the answer was immediate.
“Yes, 100%. The KIGIS Proximity Detection System offers additional safety systems for our site and helps keep our people safe.”
About the KIGIS Proximity Detection System
The KIGIS Proximity Detection System is an advanced 360° safety solution designed to reduce collisions and improve awareness between pedestrians and machinery in high-risk environments.
Key features include:
- 360° people-to-machine and machine-to-machine detection
- Dual alerts for operators and pedestrians
- Customisable caution and danger zones
- Optional machine slowdown or shutdown integration
- Real-time audible, visual, and vibration alerts
- Reliable performance in complex industrial environments
KIGIS is ideal for:
- Warehousing and logistics
- Manufacturing facilities
- Construction and industrial sites
- Cool stores and low-visibility environments
- High pedestrian traffic areas