Forklift News - Major forklift contract awarded

TMHA will supply Schneider Electric with its Toyota, BT and Raymond equipment.

A contract to supply and maintain more than 170 forklifts, reach trucks, stock pickers and walkie stackers has been awarded to Toyota Material Handling Australia (TMHA) by electrical distribution supplier Schneider Electric.

After a 12-month research and evaluation program, followed by a competitive tendering process, TMHA was awarded a national contract to supply the company’s manufacturing and distribution centres around Australia with its Toyota, BT and Raymond equipment.

"Dealing with our material handling equipment requirements was both a challenge and an opportunity for us," says Schneider Electric national distribution co-ordinator, Ross Carter.

"We took the opportunity to survey every site and get their input on current and projected material handling equipment requirements. From that we built up a national picture which helped us to put together the specifications for a tender process.

"We were looking for a supplier with access to the latest technology and with the resources to supply and service us nationally across all material handling equipment types, and one that was prepared to be flexible to meet our changing needs," he adds.

Toyota Material Handling was one of several suppliers which responded to Schneider’s call for tenders.

After eliminating suppliers which could not meet its needs nationally, Schneider began a comprehensive review of the equipment and proposals of the remaining tenderers. It undertook numerous trials of forklifts and reach trucks at its distribution centres and sought feedback on experience with various brands.

"In the end, it got down to Toyota and another supplier," says Carter. "Toyota’s global strength, its access to the latest technology and Schneider sites’ experience with the products and their service support were part of the picture, as was their competitive pricing."

When it came to a final decision, however, local factors played just as important a role, as Schneider reviewed its original reasons for going to tender.

"We were looking for a supplier able to take on the fleet management role and to work with us as circumstances changed," Ross said. "Toyota Material Handling’s representation was very professional. They had taken the time to understand our need to be flexible for future requirements."

TMHA has worked with Schneider to audit the requirements of each of its numerous sites. It is now using that information to progressively roll out the equipment.

The roll-out is being accompanied by comprehensive induction and familiarisation sessions to ensure equipment operators are able to achieve maximum productivity in a safe working environment.

On the fleet management side, regular maintenance visits by TMHA technicians will provide information and advice on the most efficient use of the new equipment.

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