When Asia-Pacific Warehousing managing director Rohan Meegama commissioned a new Toyota 7FBE18 forklift for his growing business he had no idea he would also be the winner of a new Toyota Yaris.
"When I got the call to say we had won a new car I couldn't believe it. I was very surprised and happy to hear the news … it was a real bonus and we're very pleased all-round," he said.
The new Yaris was handed over by TMHA areas sales manager Mike Johns at Asia-Pacific Warehousing's head office at Truganina in Melbourne's western suburbs.
"Asia-Pacific Warehousing has been a long-time TMHA and Toyota customer, so it was pleasing to see them being rewarded for their loyalty by winning the Yaris," Mr Johns said.
The specialist warehousing, distribution and supply chain business has relied on Toyota forklifts since its inception in 2008, and currently runs an all-Toyota fleet of nine forklifts.
"I'd had positive experiences with Toyota forklifts before, so it made sense to stick with what you know and trust," Mr Meegama said. "We're all extremely happy with our Toyota forklifts and they've never let us down."
The new Yaris will fit right in with Asia-Pacific Warehousing's existing fleet of Toyota cars, utes and SUVs.
"We already had a fleet of Toyota vehicles for our staff, including a HiLux, two Yaris - which has now become three - two Camrys and a RAV 4, with another HiLux soon to join the fleet as well," Mr Meegama said.
"We've always been happy with the Toyotas. Just like the forklifts they are comfortable, easy to use and their reliability means they never let you down."
And in an example of the broader 'One Toyota' offering that covers a range of business needs, all company vehicles are financed through Toyota Financial Services.
Mr Meegama's latest Toyota Forklift purchase, the battery-electric three-wheel 7FBE18, came after the company opened a new satellite warehouse to cater for a new business opportunity.
"After opening the new warehouse we had to consider how best to manage our forklift resources across the two sites. At one point I thought we might need another gas-powered forklift to unload containers and also another reach truck for racking, but after talking to our TMHA sales manager it was brought to my attention that the 7FBE18 forklift could do both," he said.
Asia-Pacific Warehousing is a family owned and operated business that provides a comprehensive range of warehousing, distribution and supply chain services, including wharf transport, storage, handling and distribution.
Rohan Meegama (right) receives the keys to his new Toyota Yaris from TMHA's Mike Johns