Familiar with the Yale® product range, David Bunker,
terminal manager at Shoreham Port, requested
Dave Portway, sales manager at Forkway, develop
a materials handling solution that would not only
meet the company materials handling
requirements but also its strict environmental
conditions. The recommended Yale product was
trialled by operators for a four week period,
alongside several other competitor models.
The outcome has been the delivery of 17, 5.5
tonne Yale VX diesel trucks that are fitted with
engines to the new Tier 4 European environmental
standards, which as well as being more energy
efficient, are helping Shoreham Port reduce its
carbon footprint.
Commenting, Mr Bunker said: “Many years ago, I
worked as a fork lift truck operator so I recognise
the importance of driver comfort, especially as our
workers can be transporting 1,400 packs of
timber over the course of a 12-hour shift.
“The staff are the heart of the Shoreham Port
business and we pride ourselves on protecting
their well-being. This is why we specified
additional features to add greater comfort and a
more appealing work environment including
heaters, fans, FM radios with a CD player and
USB connection. Other options, such as cloth
covered swivel seats and fingertip controls will
also aid their day-to-day comfort, whilst offering
obvious health and safety benefits.”
Forkway’s Dave Portway added: “Shoreham Port
is a community-minded business and staff work
hard with local residents regarding business
activities. Consequently they work only with
businesses that demonstrate the same level of
commitment to care, which is why we are so
pleased to be on board.
“We believe that the new Yale trucks further
demonstrate their respect for the local community
with the new fleet having lower noise levels and
cleaner engines which will have minimal
environmental impact.”
David concludes: “The investment in our new
materials handling fleet has been really well
received. Not only does the deal make
commercial sense but the trucks have more
sophisticated designs than our previous fleet.
Many operators have recognised this and said
that the Yale trucks are the best they have ever
driven.
“Overall we couldn’t be happier with our decision
to work with Forkway and Yale and we look
forward to a successful relationship with them for
many years to come.”
Forkway, which will be providing Shoreham Port
with ongoing maintenance for the entire contract,
works with Yale’s exclusive UK dealer Briggs.