To meet high demand for its products, the Somerset-based manufacturer consulted local Mitsubishi dealer Bristol Forklifts for a handling solution. Laurie Farley, logistics manager at Relyon said: “As one of the biggest own-brand manufacturers in the UK, we wanted to expand our fleet of trucks to meet the demands of our busy working environment.
“Manoeuvrability and versatility were important factors. It was essential the trucks could operate in tight spaces. We also wanted to ensure operators had good all-round visibility, while themselves being highly visible for the safety of colleagues working alongside. The distinctive jade green colour really achieves that by standing out in all locations around the site.”
Having surveyed the site in detail, Bristol Forklifts recommended three different models to accommodate the different working environments. For indoor-outdoor duties the three-tonne, FD30N GRENDiA diesel truck was an obvious choice — in this case fitted with the manufacturer’s rigid VersaCab panel cabin.
Created specifically with the operator in mind, it maximises comfort and safety. Maintaining high visibility, the overhead guard gives a clear view of raised forks and loads whilst the cabin interior is insulated against vibration, as well as the weather.
Laurie Farley explains: “We required a reliable and adaptable yard truck that could operate in different weathers and temperatures. The heater and demister in the GRENDiA mean the cab is comfortable to work in and the windows are kept clear at all times.
“The GRENDiA has certainly delivered with its exceptional performance, low running costs and low emissions. Taking care of the environment is very important to us.”
The package supplied by Bristol Forklifts also included three PBPL15 lithium-ion powered hand pallet trucks. Extremely agile and able to work in the most confined spaces, these new machines bridge the gap between hand pallet trucks and conventional (far more expensive) powered pallet trucks.
Paul Schock, who led the Bristol Forklifts team, said: “We recommended this new breed of pallet trucks to avoid operators facing the strain of shifting heavy loads manually.
“Importantly, the controls are exceptionally smooth and predictable — making the PBPL trucks ideal for the lateral movement of delicate stock. It has a compact design and great stability, and the lithium battery is really quick and easy to charge.”
Two PBP20VN flip-down platform powered pallet trucks were also supplied. Each with 1600mm long forks to accommodate the customer’s longer loads.
According to Laurie Farley: “The platform pallet trucks have been a huge success. The handling is very precise, with the long forks giving the stability necessary to manoeuvre high volumes of stock quickly and efficiently in narrow spaces.”
Relyon also took delivery of a new pedestrian reach truck, an electric scissor lift, a foam clamp attachment and a bespoke weighing platform (2000x2500mm) for weighing bales of foam.
Laurie Farley concluded: “The fleet is proving really popular with the operators which is always important. Having worked with Paul for years, we knew we could put our trust in him. He and his team at Bristol Forklifts have helped us immensely and the support they provided has been fantastic from start to finish.”
