Document destruction company Shred-X has improved the efficiency of its warehouse operations in the Newcastle region after switching to Toyota Material Handling Australia (TMHA) forklifts.
Shred-X recently took delivery of a new Toyota 8FGJ35 forklift with bale clamp attachment at its facility in Newcastle, which is being used to move 1200kg worth of shredded documents around the warehouse.
Shred-X Newcastle is a new customer for TMHA and was having issues with its previous material handling supplier before switching to the reliability, durability and excellent customer service offered by TMHA.
According to Shred-X Newcastle branch manager Graeme Redman, the journey towards using Toyota forklifts began by accident when he mistakenly called TMHA to the warehouse after a breakdown with his previous supplier.
“If I have a breakdown we stop business,” Mr Redman said. “I’ve had troubles where I’ve been waiting up to week to get breakdown service which was not working for me.
“I had a breakdown when I first started, and I accidentally googled TMHA for servicing – they actually turned up within about four hours.
“So, I called who I thought was the right supplier and these guys turned up within four hours. I went, ‘Wow, how good is this service?’
“When my lease was coming up, I started doing some research and getting quotes from different companies. TMHA’s quote came in better than the other ones, and I was impressed that they came within four hours, that was part of my influence on changing providers.”
Mr Redman was also having issues with his machines, one of which was prone to overheating when lifting twin 600kg bales of paper.
Since taking delivery of the 8FGJ35 in February, Mr Redman has so far been impressed with the performance of his new machine, which uses its bale clamp attachment to lift loads with ease.
“Apart from breaking down, we had issues with (our previous forklift) overheating, and it actually struggled to lift the 1200kg as much as it was rated to do it,” he said.
“Toyota assessed my needs and requirements and brought a forklift in and I’m easily lifting the 1200kg without any danger.
“It’s been fantastic. It starts first go, the turning circle and operation is easy, the boys all love it.”
Mr Redman has enjoyed a strong working relationship with TMHA area sales manager Matt Hoare and his team, who regularly check in to ensure the business and machines are working in harmony.
“Matt is fantastic with the amount of times he came out and checked my requirements, and he’ll check in with me every 4-6 weeks and make sure everything is going OK and if there’s any issues we’ve got,” Mr Redman said.
“Matt’s knowledge and experience – he knows his equipment. We had a pre-inspection prior to delivery where he invited me out to his warehouse, we went through the warehouse and all of the load-shifter equipment that he has.
“We did a pre-inspection prior to delivery, and once again when it was delivered, Matt went through the operations of the forklifts with all my staff here, he made sure we were familiar with the operations of the forklift. It was a really good handover.”
Shred-X is made up of 11 locations all across Australia, with each warehouse choosing their forklift supplier on an individual basis.
Mr Redman’s positive experience has led him to recommend TMHA to Shred-X’s Sydney operations, who are currently looking into a new forklift supplier.
“We’re extremely happy (with TMHA), which is one reason why I recommended them to Sydney to get them come and quote.”
TMHA’s extensive, nationwide service network and expert technicians is just another reason for Shred-X to choose Toyota forklifts, with a local branch able to service their needs in a timely and personal manner.
“Their presence in Newcastle as well – I know they have an operations in Newcastle,” Mr Redman said. “Some of the other providers run from Sydney, so that was a consideration – their proximity to our location.”
A second 2.5-tonne Toyota forklift is also on its way for Shred-X, which together with the existing 8FGJ35 unit will be able to perform the duties of the three previous forklifts.
Shred-X has provided secure and certified document destruction for more than 25 years, with a focus on privacy protection and responsible recycling.
Shred-X branch manager Graeme Redman, standing proud with their new Toyota 8FGJ35 forklift