International beverage supplier and manufacturer Refresco has used the performance, dependability and safety of Toyota Material Handling Australia (TMHA) forklifts to ensure its supply chain keeps people refreshed across the country.
Recently Refresco decided to turn over its fleet of material handling equipment which forms the backbone of its nationwide manufacturing network, choosing to renew its contract with TMHA after over five years of safe and reliable performance.
An order for 49 Toyota forklifts has been placed for Refresco warehouses in New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland and South Australia, with the first 26 already delivered to one of its biggest warehouses in Condell Park, NSW.
Refresco regional supply manager for Condell Park Dave Stanford has been working for Refresco under its different iterations for the last 25 years, and for the last five years has been using Toyota forklifts to store and move products around the Condell Park facility.
When Refresco’s first contract with Toyota expired, the decision was made to renew the contract for another 5.5 years after going through a tender process.
Mr Stanford said there were a number of reasons for remaining a loyal Toyota forklift customer, with the performance and servicing of the machines over the last half decade a significant factor.
“Toyota’s pricing was competitive, we got to know the units over the previous term and the maintenance on the forklifts was really good,” Mr Stanford said.
“We had minor issues over that period and didn’t experience too much downtime with the forklifts – it was good service, and we’ve got a good working relationship with the national account manager, those are the main reasons we stayed.”
Mr Stanford and Refresco worked closely with TMHA major account manager Michael Provan to work out the new order, which consists of a range of LPG forklifts with a number of modifications fitted to suit the needs of the company.
The order included 32-8FG20 forklifts with standard and drive-in racking, rotators and push-pull attachments, 32-8FG25 forklifts with standard and twin-pallet handlers and a large number of 32-8FGJ35 units with twin-pallet handlers, specified to suit Refresco’s usage requirements.
Safety is paramount to Refresco’s operations, which is why the company fitted safety features including red halo lighting, front and rear blue safety lights and the rear facing pedestrian sensor which alerts the operator to any people or obstacles that might be behind them.
Mr Provan was more than happy to help facilitate the fitment of the accessories, and his facilitation of the purchase helped make the procurement process simple for Refresco.
“Without Michael, it wouldn’t have been a smooth process,” Mr Stanford said. “He did a good job with that – we haven’t seen any issues with delivery which has been great.”
With the Condell Park forklifts having arrived, Refresco operators have noticed a difference with the newest machines, which offer excellent operator comfort and usability.
“Our new forklifts are a different model to what we’ve had previously,” Mr Stanford said.
“They seem to drive a lot smoother; the controls are a lot more accurate, also they have the new safety features with the reverse sensors, the halo lights and the blue lights front and back.
“They’re a good forklift – they’re a workhorse.”
Another important factor for Refresco when choosing TMHA was the excellent service experience provided, which is made possible by an extensive network of highly experienced technicians who can provide speedy and knowledgeable service and repair work.
“Servicing with TMHA is a simple process,” Mr Stanford said.
“We email the service team, and we get a reply the same day about when they can come out. It’s never a long wait “
Mr Stanford added that he has been very happy with the performance of his Toyota machines and the service provided by both Mr Provan and the TMHA technicians who service Refresco.
Over the course of October, the rest of the fleet of forklifts will be delivered to the rest of Refresco warehouses in Brisbane, Adelaide, Melbourne and a second Sydney warehouse.
Refresco’s Perth warehouse currently has existing Toyota units on contract but is beginning to consider a proposal for new equipment.
Refresco is a global beverage provider for retainers across the world and one of Australia’s largest beverage suppliers and manufacturers, working with brands including Ocean Spray, Prime and major supermarket retailers to produce juices, soft drinks and other juices for sale across the country.
Its manufacturing warehouses ensure drinks are produced in Australia, ensuring fresh and tasty beverages for Australian consumers.
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Refresco's new Toyota 8FG20 Forklift hard at work