Forklift Relationship Extended

A British freight and logistics 3PL provider has praised the performance and reliability of Mitsubishi GRENDiA forklifts, after extending its 12-year partnership with their local Mitsubishi Forklift Truck distributor.

At their Essex-based site, Simarco International has used GRENDiA trucks intensively since 2013, working 24 hours a day, 6 days a week. The most recent additions, 10 LPG-powered forklifts, are now the third batch to prove themselves at the growing operation. Indeed, Simarco has come to trust the trucks – and their distributor’s support – so much that the business operates successfully with no backup vehicle in place.

A proven performer at a growing business

For nearly 30 years, Simarco has made a habit of delivering tailored solutions for clients in the UK, across Europe, and internationally across all trade routes. The company occupies 30,000 square metres of transit warehousing in the UK, giving its forklifts a constant workload. GRENDiA trucks’ sealed chassis and engine protection systems make the model a perfect fit, delivering robust performance on the hardworking site.

Head of UK and European Warehousing, Steve Pyne, explains: “We’ve used Mitsubishi GRENDiA trucks for years and they’ve never let us down. They’re incredibly reliable, which is vital because we don’t just have another backup truck waiting to be used – if the GRENDiA breaks down or stops performing, our operation comes to a halt.”

A successful, 12-year partnership

The Mitsubishi Forklift Truck authorised distributor for the area is proud to have played a role in Simarco’s success story. Managing Director, Joe Bronze, said: “Given their 24-hours-a-day, 6-days-a week-schedule, it is imperative that the equipment is top quality. Sticking with the GRENDiA model that’s worked so well in the past is a great choice. Over the years, we’ve seen the business grow and it’s great that we can continue to assist the team with their ongoing requirements. With our close working relationship, we’re always available to react to any changes they need – now, and in the future.”

Steve Pyne, Head of UK & European Warehousing at Simarco, also values the relationship: “The support and service from our local distributor is always excellent – and that’s crucial. With such a busy, intensive operation, any lost time will really hit us. But on the rare occasion we have an issue, they always respond to call-outs or questions very swiftly. I would have no hesitation in recommending them as a preferred supplier for materials handling equipment.”

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Consider all Forklift Fuel Types

As government targets of net-zero carbon emissions approach, many companies are looking for ways to make their operations as sustainable and environmentally friendly as possible. But switching from IC engine counterbalance trucks to electric powered, might not be the correct solution for all applications.

Forklift truck supplier Toyota Material Handling is encouraging any companies looking to renew their fleet, to make sure they have considered all fuel sources before making a purchasing decision, including exploring the use of biofuels to help reduce the carbon footprint of IC trucks.

“Europe’s forklift users have been migrating from IC engine trucks to battery electric machines on a huge scale for more than 20 years,” says Paul Bowers, Counterbalance Truck Specialist at Toyota Material Handling UK. “In fact, the decline in demand for engine trucks has been so dramatic, that some lift truck manufacturers have stopped producing diesel and LPG-powered forklifts completely,” he adds.

But with the surge in electricity prices that followed the Covid crisis, and the invasion of Ukraine, pushing up the cost of recharging a truck battery, the substantial long-term financial benefits associated with replacing gas or diesel trucks with electric models have reduced.

Forklift Fuel Types

Furthermore, there is growing concern that the continued reliance on fossil fuel in the generation process means electricity can be less environmentally friendly than many people think. In 2023, a third of the UK’s electricity supply still came from fossil fuel power.

Bowers says: “The emergence of these issues surrounding the financial and environmental benefits of running electric trucks has led some companies to question whether swapping engine trucks for electric models remains the best strategy for them. At Toyota we believe that despite higher electricity costs and the understandable frustration over the way electricity is produced, the business case for electric trucks can be compelling. But, while battery-powered trucks are still the optimum truck choice for many applications, they are not necessarily the best option for everyone.

“Toyota is at the forefront of the evolution in alternative forklift fuels, including biofuel and hydrogen, and we aim to ensure that each Toyota client receives the most appropriate handling solution powered by the engine type and fuel source that is best suited to the requirements of their application.

“For some clients ‘going green’ doesn’t automatically mean ‘going electric’. Because we offer, and service, a wide range of electric and engine-powered machines, Toyota truck users know they will receive expert advice to ensure that they receive the correct truck and fuel combination that meets their unique needs perfectly.”

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