Dartford-based logistics and supply chain specialist Davies Turner is saving time and money after purchasing 18 Mitsubishi GRENDiA LPG forklifts ranging from 1.8 to 3.5 T.

Edward Stephenson, Davies Turner group operations director, says reliable equipment and dependable service are the key to a successful business.

“The trucks are required to work 24 hours a day. 

“It’s non-stop and we simply can’t afford unplanned downtime. We require absolute reliability from the equipment and the same from the team that services and supports it.”

The specialist in air, road and sea transportation, as well as logistics and supply chain management, went through a tendering process involving a number of leading suppliers. 

The Mitsubishi forklifts are now providing the mechanised muscle while the local Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks team, headed by Chris Slater, delivers the necessary after-sales support. 

“The back-up we receive has fulfilled all our expectations,” says Stephenson. 

“We even have a dedicated engineer who has developed a really good rapport with our staff, to the point of calling in, out of hours, just to ensure everything is running smoothly.”

“This was a very important decision for us,” says Stephenson.

“We considered everything, including the possibility of switching to electric but eventually decided against it. The high demands we place on the trucks, including extended shifts, raised concerns, as did the time and additional space required for charging operations.”

The decision to stick with LPG was greatly facilitated by the three-way catalytic converter – fitted as standard on the Mitsubishi GRENDiA range – along with an advanced engine management system, says Slater.

“Together they combine to ensure ultra-low emissions and industry-leading fuel economy.”

The trucks are used for loading and unloading groupage trailers and shipping containers, handling a wide range of freight.

With an annual turnover in excess of GBP170 million (USD208.7 million), Davies Turner continues to grow and enhance its reputation as the UK's foremost multimodal transport, logistics and warehouse organisation. 

Established in 1870, the company is run by the same family that founded it, with Stephenson part of the fifth generation of owners.