One of the UK’s leading manufacturers of timber doors has recently taken delivery of a new fleet of state-of-the-art Yale Forklifts after awarding another major contract to the Forkway Group.
In an industry where quality and trust is paramount, Premdor are considered to be unparalleled market leaders in door innovation, and one of the best-known joinery brands amongst construction professionals and consumers. Built in 1992, Premdor’s 410,000ft2 main manufacturing facility and warehouse in Barnsley, South Yorkshire, is the largest such facility in Europe and is home to over 400 employees.
Forkway has worked with Premdor for nearly a quarter of a century and according to Forkway Group Director, Richard Greaves, the unique working partnership was a key factor in securing the new deal.
“This is the fourth contract we have been awarded by Premdor in what is undoubtedly a high-intensity environment, and were service and performance levels are key”, commented Richard. “For over 20 years we have employed a resident engineer to work full time on the site which has resulted in reduced downtime and a far better understanding of Premdor’s operational needs.
Regular meetings and open dialogue ensure that any issues or potential problems can be dealt with quickly, a case in point being the downturn in the building industry in 2008 which, after a number of discussions, led to a complete restructure of the forklift fleet to cater for the changes in demand; and a significant financial saving for Premdor”.
The fleet of 33 Yale Forklifts is predominantly 2.5 and 3t capacity LPG machines from the award winning Veracitor VX range and ideally suited to the demanding challenges of the Premdor multi-shift operation. All feature Techtronic transmission and an auto deceleration system (ADS), which automatically slows the truck when the throttle pedal is released. This action minimises brake usage, operator fatigue and reduces associated brake costs. The VX model also boasts improved tyre and fuel costs through controlled direction changes and most importantly, an anti-rollback feature, which was crucial for Premdor as the trucks operate on inclines.
Health & Safety is paramount at Premdor, so for the first time all the forklifts have been fitted with the latest forklift Telematics system which includes SpeedZone, an effective way of automatically reducing the speed of the forklifts to 4mph when operating indoors, Collision Damage Sensors, individual Key Card access, which eliminates the need for keys and prevents unauthorised use of the forklifts, and the Blue Point proximity warning light; further proof, according to Chris Reed, Premdor Warehouse Manager, of why the Forkway Group have been MHE partners since 1992.
“TARGET ZERO is Premdor’s own Health & Safety programme which we launched in 2012 to achieve a target number of ZERO accidents and injuries throughout the manufacturing facility”. Commented Chris “Forkway took on board what we are striving to achieve and once again worked with us in specifying equipment that is perfectly suited to Premdor’s operational and safety needs. Prior to awarding contracts, we looked at other major manufacturers, and had machines on demonstration, but it was ultimately the flexible approach and partnership we enjoy with Forkway that won them the business for fourth time. We have the right product, excellent service from the resident engineer and a relationship built on trust”.
In total, the Forkway Group are responsible for over 40 forklifts at sites in Mansfield and Littleborough and the main facility in Barnsley.
