Forklifts play a crucial role in the warehousing operations of York Precision Plastics.

Forklifts play a crucial role in the warehousing operations of plastics manufacturer York Precision Plastics, which supplies Australia as well as New Zealand and China.

Based in Riverwood, NSW, the company is a leading manufacturer of prismatic lens panels and wraparound lighting diffusers and also manufactures a range of impact modified acrylic and engineering thermoplastic sheeting which is extensively used throughout the sign, fabrication, industrial, skylight and automotive industries.

According to plant manager David Searson, performance, service and support are the crucial elements which the company requires from its forklift supplier.

"We run a very tight operation here. There is no room for equipment failure or down-time and that especially applies to the forklifts. Over many years we've been impressed with the constant performance of the Nissan brand and the service and support we receive," says Searson.

"We rely on Powerlift Nissan to advise us of when services are due and the technician is always here on time.

"We operate two shifts at the plant, so the forklifts are constantly operating for 17 hours a day and we work them pretty hard," says Searson. "They handle raw material which can be in 800kg sacks, work in the warehouse or handle finished products which can be several metres long. So manoeuvrability and ease of operation are key issues for us".

Nissan's LX series forklifts have been specifically designed to increase operator efficiency and safety and improve the work environment. Exhaust emissions, fuel consumption, noise and vibration have all been reduced to new low levels.

York Precision Plastics operates three 2.5 tonne forklifts and a 1.8 tonne unit, all are LPG powered and fitted with catalytic converters. With this technology, fuel consumption is greatly improved and exhaust emissions are reduced even further, a key issue with forklifts operating in confined areas.