Trucks for king size loads

Relyon has been using Mitsubishi forklifts at its large Somerset site for a number of years, and when the need arose for additional kit, they turned to local dealer Bristol Forklifts.

“We needed equipment to support different points of production, and we knew we could depend on Mitsubishi forklifts to do the job,” said Laurie Farley, logistics manager at Relyon.

The bulk of the work

At the company’s busy site, trucks are not only required to carry large pallets with raw materials, but are also used at later stages of the manufacturing process to move finished products such as mattresses. Relyon therefore needed trucks capable of handling bulky loads, while operating in tight spaces.

“The trucks are used to unload deliveries of materials such as large rolls of steel, which are then used to make coil springs,” said Laurie. “We also use trucks fitted with clamps to carry large blocks of foam. There is a lot happening on site with trucks moving inside and outside to various production areas.”

Trucks for every stage

After assessing the site, Bristol Forklifts made recommendations that would best suit the wide range of tasks performed.

Relyon subsequently ordered four new Mitsubishi GRENDiA ES FD18N forklifts, three new GRENDiA ES FD25N forklifts, and one new GRENDiA ES FD35N.

Paul Schock, sales director at Bristol Forklifts said: “GRENDiA is a compact truck that provides the power and performance to operate effectively and efficiently in tight spaces. The larger models are ideal for working with the heavier loads such as the wood components used in the beds, as well as for carrying pallets of heavy packs of springs.

“Given the size of the loads, and the fact that many trucks are crossing each other around the site between production areas, visibility was important. The clear-view mast maximises the operator's ability to see forks and loads, as well as what is happening around them.”

To support operators in transporting large blocks of foam, Relyon also ordered 2 Mitsubishi PBPL li-ion powered electric pallet trucks fitted with extra-long 2m forks.

Relyon now has a total of 27 pieces of equipment from Bristol Forklifts, including 20 Mitsubishi forklift trucks, plus a Skyjack scissor lift, a Hako ride-on scrubber dryer, Warrior pedestrian reach trucks and an OMG pedestrian reach truck.

Effective features

The entire fleet at Relyon is in use throughout a demanding 8-hour shift, so reliability was key — no matter what the task or weather.

Paul said: “GRENDiA has a sealed belly plate which means the engine is protected from the elements when working outdoors, and prevents dust and dirt being circulated into the air when operating indoors (a problem on conventional IC engine forklifts known as the cyclone effect). This is crucial for avoiding contamination of sensitive materials in the warehouses and production areas.”

But perhaps most importantly, it is the operators at Relyon who have been most impressed by the latest arrival of equipment.

“What the operators like about the Mitsubishi forklift trucks is how easy they are to use,” said Laurie. “They have loads of safety features and attachments that can make a big difference.

“Even something as small as having a handle and horn attached to the window makes reversing easier and safer as they can alert colleagues on foot to the presence of the forklift if necessary. Little things like that are simple but highly effective.”

Relyon has a full maintenance package, with Bristol Forklifts’ engineers on hand to service the entire fleet when required.

“We got the right equipment that fits the needs of our operations, and our operators are really happy with the trucks,” added Laurie. “You can’t ask for much more.”

To find out more about Mitsubishi forklift trucks range, contact: info@red-diamond.co.uk or visit www.mitsubishi-forklift.co.uk.​