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Tag: Mitsubishi

Forklift Relationship Extended

Posted on by David Priestman

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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Fifth Red Dot for Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks

Posted on by Keith McKinley

The EDiA XL electric counterbalance from Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks has picked up its second honour in recent months after being named winner of a Red Dot design award for 2023.

This latest accolade means the entire current EDiA range: the 1.4–2.0-tonne EDiA EM, the 2.5–3.5-tonne EDiA EX, and the 4.0–5.5-tonne EDiA XL, have all been granted use of the famous Red Dot. A much sought-after mark, it has become an internationally recognised symbol of outstanding design over its 60+ year history, signifying excellence in aesthetics, functionality, or innovation.
A truly next-generation forklift, EDiA XL is a step forward for what is possible with electric trucks, offering performance and productivity beyond IC engine models thanks to cutting-edge developments such as AutoBoost and Adaptive Lit Control, combined with the green, efficient benefits of electricity. The Red Dot jury was highly impressed by EDiA XL’s clean and modern design and outstanding ergonomics, creating an incredibly driver-focused truck.

In fact, ergonomics has been a key feature of all the EDiA wins, highlighting Mitsubishi Forklift Truck’s commitment to ensuring operators always remain at their most comfortable, even through the longest shifts.

EDiA EX was a winner in 2015 thanks to its pioneering features, such as the Sensitive Drive System, excellent all-round visibility, and fluid, intuitive operation. 360-degree steering on the EDiA EM and its outstanding adaptation to different loads and driving conditions impressed the jury in 2019 when it gained a Red Dot of its own. And this addition to EDiA XL’s growing trophy cabinet follows October’s win at the UK Material Handling awards where it took home the title in the Environment category thanks to a blend of unique technology, class-leading performance, and quiet, emission-free operation.

Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks is a brand of Mitsubishi Logisnext Co. Ltd. (ML) who design, manufacture, sell and distribute a comprehensive range of high-quality, innovative warehouse equipment, IC/ electric counterbalance forklifts and AGV solutions. With 11,000 employees and total sales of around £2,777 million GBP (As of March 2022), ML is the world’s fourth-largest industrial truck manufacturer.

The equipment supplied for European materials handling solutions in logistics and warehousing are designed and produced at the group’s production facilities in Sweden, Spain, Finland, China and Japan. Consequently, our spread of customers are involved in storage and distribution warehousing (Raw material and finished goods) as well as manufacturing with interests that include the production of food & beverages, pharmaceuticals, consumer goods, metal & automotive and the building industry.

New, High-performance Platform Stacker

Posted on by David Priestman

Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks has added to its award-winning warehouse series with an extremely robust, compact, and richly featured new platform stacker series. Available in 1.2- and 1.6-tonne capacities, AXiA EM has been developed to offer high performance operation in a wide series of high bay stacking, order picking, and transport supply/feed applications.

Indeed, everything about AXiA EM has been designed to maximise flexibility and optimise productivity through state-of-the-art ergonomics, precise handling, and exceptionally low cost of operation.
It comes in three configurations: foldable platform with optional foldable side protection bars, fixed side entry, or rear entry protected platforms. Each offers excellent, progressive damping to eliminate vibration and fixed platform models have an option for electrical adjustment to suit the weight or preferences of individual operators.

An extensive series of mast models are available to suit every application. Duplex masts offer lift heights from 2690mm to 4200mm, while Triplex masts deliver lift heights from 4350mm to 5400mm.
An optional Initial Lift allows AXiA EM to serve as a double pallet handler for greater efficiency, with exceptional ground clearance for ease of use on uneven floors.

AXiA EM can be supplied with lead acid or built-in Li-ion battery for fast opportunity charging, making it the ideal stacker to support intense 24/7 operations that demand maximum uptime, with lead acid available as an option.

Smooth, precise operation

AXiA EM features a sturdy 4-point chassis with a drive system designed to keep the truck consistently stable for smooth, stress-free handling that generates operator confidence and reduces the risk of incidents and damage.

The ErgoSteer tiller head is as robust as it is intuitive to operate. Protected against damp and dust it is ideal for all applications. Described as ‘the most ergonomic tiller head on the market’ it has been designed to eliminate strain and repetitive strain injuries reducing fatigue and helping avoid unnecessary – and costly – absences. To maximise flexibility, AXiA EM is available in a choice of modes. ‘Easy’ with its slower acceleration and softer braking is perfect for fragile goods or inexperienced operators. ‘ECO’ optimises power use to extend shift lengths while still retaining high performance. ‘PRO’ is for high performance in intensive operations.

Heavy-duty construction guarantees long-term productivity

The Controlled Cornering System helps prevent dangerously fast manoeuvres by sensing the angle of a turn and the velocity of the steering motion at the very start of a turn, and dynamically reduces speed at the very start and progressively through the turn for smoother, safer, and more consistent cornering. Designed with productivity in mind, AXiA EM delivers smooth, swift, and precise lifting and handling that gives the operator confidence to work confidently and productively. At the same time, the heavy-duty construction will maintain the company’s near-legendary reputation for non-stop reliability in the most demanding applications.

Low-cost Power Source Forklift Users Can’t Ignore

Posted on by David Priestman

In the race to reduce their carbon footprint, many forklift truck users are ignoring a power source that would allow them to cut emissions, save money and avoid costly grid issues: LP Gas.

“Right now, the focus is on electric forklifts, and with good reason,” explains Stewart Gosling of Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks UK. “They are quiet, clean and come with a lot of integrated safety features. It’s why the award-winning Mitsubishi EDiA range is deservedly in such great demand.

“But, the price of electricity has rocketed in recent months, just as diesel costs did when the tax relief on red diesel was removed. By contrast, the one fuel source that has remained stable is LP Gas, making it the most economical solution for many different applications.”

Stage 5 Mitsubishi GRENDiA LP Gas counterbalance is a clean winner

Recently, one international transport specialist examined every option (including electric) and eventually opted for LP Gas – in this case a fleet of Mitsubishi GRENDiA counterbalance trucks – because of the high demands they place on the trucks, including extended shifts.

The company’s decision was also greatly influenced by GRENDiA’s green credentials. It is Stage 5 compliant and comes with a three-way catalytic converter and engine management system that combines to ensure ultra-low emissions and industry-leading fuel economy. The customer’s other concern when considering a switch to electric was the additional space required for charging operations.

“This would be less of an issue with Li-ion batteries, but that technology can raise different issues,” adds Stewart. “Some sites simply don’t have sufficient power supply to facilitate the high energy loads required for large numbers of Li-ion recharging points or can only do so at extra cost.

“The cost of electricity itself is an increasingly significant factor in areas where tariffs are particularly high. We have customers with multi-site operations who have gone for a hybrid approach, installing Mitsubishi electric trucks on some sites but LP Gas ones where the electricity tariff was unacceptably high. The lesson in all this is that there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution… but there is every chance that a low-emission, fuel-efficient LP Gas truck could be the answer or an important part of it.”

Forklift Fleet Keeps Productivity High for 3PL

Posted on by David Priestman

When Davies Turner looked to replace the forklift truck fleet at its Dartford regional distribution centre, the selection criteria went beyond securing the best possible equipment… the company was looking for commitment.

“Our operations are extremely intense,” explains Edward Stephenson, Group Operations Director at Davies Turner. “The trucks are required to work 24 hours a day, 5 days a week as well as at weekends. It’s non-stop and we simply can’t afford unplanned downtime. We require absolute reliability from the equipment and the same from the team that services and supports it.”

The market-leading specialist in air, road and sea transportation, as well as logistics and supply chain management, found what it was looking for following a tendering process involving a number of leading suppliers. As a result, a total of 18 Mitsubishi GRENDiA LPG forklifts in capacities ranging from 1.8 to 3.5 tonnes are now providing the mechanised muscle while the local Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks team – headed by Chris Slater – is delivering the necessary high levels of after-sales support.

“The back-up we receive has fulfilled all our expectations,” says Mr Stephenson. “We even have a dedicated engineer who has developed a really good rapport with our staff, to the point of calling in, out of hours, just to ensure everything is running smoothly.”

A reputation to maintain

With an annual turnover in excess of £170 million, Davies Turner continues to grow and enhance its reputation as the UK’s foremost multimodal transport, logistics and warehouse organisation. Established in 1870, the company is still run by the same family that founded it, with Edward Stephenson part of the fifth generation of owners. “This was a very important decision for us,” he emphasises. “We considered everything, including the possibility of switching to electric but eventually decided against it. The high demands we place on the trucks, including extended shifts, raised concerns, as did the time and additional space required for charging operations. The decision to stick with LPG was greatly facilitated by the three-way catalytic converter – fitted as standard on the Mitsubishi GRENDiA range – along with an advanced engine management system. Together they combine to ensure ultra-low emissions and industry-leading fuel economy.”

Versatile… and very comfortable

The trucks are used for loading and unloading groupage trailers and shipping containers. In doing so they handle a wide range of different freight including long loads, large crates as well as palletised loads, cross docking and taking freight from various contractors for local delivery or transporting it to one of the company’s hubs located at strategic centres throughout the UK for onward local delivery.

Although the company’s operators were used to hydrostatic controls, a short refresher course enabled them to switch seamlessly to the automotive-style pedals of the Mitsubishi GRENDiA models.
“The team are particularly impressed by the comfort of the seats,” added Mr Stephenson. “That’s really important because of the long shifts some of our operators work, especially when overtime is involved.”

Acutely conscious of safety, Davies Turner fitted halo lights to each truck, effectively creating a no-go zone around each truck to protect pedestrians and installed front and rear-facing cameras which have proved very useful when loading vehicles. The cameras have also contributed towards safety and operating standards, giving management important feedback in terms of recall analysis, and greater accountability in the event of any damage.

Manoeuvrability in tight spaces

The fleet of counterbalance trucks is currently being supplemented by a further five 2-tonne capacity Mitsubishi PREMiA power pallet trucks. These will be deployed in the warehouse, where their exceptionally short and compact chassis will be important in enabling swift and safe manoeuvring in tight spaces. At the same time, features such as cast-iron drive units with oil-immersed gears, sturdy welded construction, and a chassis sealed against ingress from dust and moisture, will be instrumental in achieving the reliability that is so fundamental to the smooth running of this impressive facility.

UniCarriers Rebrands to Mitsubishi Forklifts

Posted on by David Priestman

Logisnext UK Ltd is delighted to announce that the brand UniCarriers is now replaced in the UK by Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks. This change is part of the European strategy of the company’s owner, Mitsubishi Logisnext Europe (MLE).

Since the acquisition of UniCarriers Corporation Ltd. back in 2017, Mitsubishi Logisnext Group has applied the strategy of ensuring that all wholly owned subsidiaries are taking Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks branded products to market in Europe. This project started in April 2021 and has reached completion with the UK subsidiary (Logisnext UK Ltd) rebranding on the 1st of January 2023.

Rebrand announced following business merger

The Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks brand has been available in the UK since the 1970s, supplied by an established dealer network. In January 2023 this supply chain is now enhanced by the introduction of the direct to customer organisation with the re-branding of the UniCarriers business. Since the independent dealer network and the direct sales operation have been serving complementary customer segments, we emphasise that customer communication will largely remain unchanged other than a change in brand. Together, these two routes to market aim to increase the Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks market share by providing tailored customer handling and service solutions.

Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks supply materials handling products for logistics and warehousing, designed and manufactured at the group’s production facilities in Sweden, Spain, Finland, PRC and Japan. Consequently, our spread of customers is involved in storage and distribution warehousing as well as manufacturing with interests that include the production of food & beverages, pharmaceuticals, consumer goods, metal & automotive and the building industry.

Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks is a brand of Mitsubishi Logisnext Europe (MLE). MLE is an international, multi-brand material handling solution provider operating through an extensive network of owned and independent sales network. MLE is part of the global Mitsubishi Logisnext Co. Ltd (ML), based in Kyoto, Japan.

ML is the world’s fourth-largest industrial truck manufacturer, present in over 100 countries, with 11,000 employees and total sales of around £2,777 million GBP (As of March 2022). It is a component of the Mitsubishi Heavy Industries group — a world leader in manufacturing dedicated to continuing progress through technological advancement. Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks is synonymous with quality, reliability, and value for money. Through innovative design and state-of-the-art materials handling technology, we set a standard that defines everything we do.

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