Toyota Material Handling UK (TMHUK) recently appointed Stuart Reilly as rental and used director as demand for refurbished equipment increases. Forkliftaction News spoke to Reilly about the new role.

FLA: Prior to this appointment, what has been your biggest achievement?

SR: It’s very difficult to think of just one single thing that I’m most proud of during my career – there are so many things that I can look back on with satisfaction, but a significant milestone for me came in 2019 when I was asked to head up Toyota Material Handling’s hand pallet truck division. This particular role is seen as a major career move within the Toyota organisation, so I was delighted to be given the opportunity to take the division forward. The position has a very broad remit, which includes managing the complete business process from factory production to end-customer sales.

FLA: What excites you most about the materials handling industry?

SR: It is a dynamic and challenging industry where no two days are the same. The logistics industry is currently going through a period of rapid change and supply chain efficiency is recognised as being of fundamental importance to the success of every company. The warehouse remains at the heart of every successful supply chain and as a leading supplier of the materials handling solutions that are the key to the operational efficiency of our clients’ warehouses and distribution centres, Toyota is constantly working to develop products and finding new solutions.

FLA: What is the most significant change you have seen in the industry in your time?

SR: The core function of a forklift and materials handling equipment is very much how it was many years ago, but the tremendous developments that have taken place in lift truck technology enable today’s machines to operate more safely, productively and cost-effectively than ever.

The biggest adaptations have been to the fuels we use, such as hydrogen and lithium-ion, and the transformation towards automation. With environmental concerns at the top of the corporate agenda, the advances in forklift fuel types and the technical developments that are driving the move away from IC-engine power are as impressive as anything we are seeing in the automotive sector. Meanwhile, the trend towards greater automation and driverless trucks is gathering pace every day and many people believe that AGVs – such as Toyota’s Autopilot series – represent the future for many truck users. As well as delivering lower labour costs, automated handling technology offers many benefits, including reductions in product and building infrastructure damage and increased productivity, so it’s easy to see why more and more companies are embracing today’s highly cost-efficient automated solutions.

FLA: What is the biggest opportunity that you see in your new role?

SR: The market for used materials handling is buoyant. In fact, demand for Toyota used forklifts is at an all-time high. Truck users across all industry sectors are looking to second- or third-life machines to support their fleets and we are seeing a significant increase in the number of companies that opt for ‘blended’ fleets – a mix of new and used machines.

On a more personal level, my new role as TMHUK’s rental and used director allows me to work closely on developing and growing our people, ensuring that every member of my team fulfills his or her full potential. Kaizen – or continuous improvement –  is a philosophy that Toyota applies across the business that not only drives product development but encourages personal development, too. Growing our business depends on the contributions of our people and Toyota has a harmonised people strategy with every team member receiving job-appropriate training and access to additional learning tools.

Toyota is a great company to build a future career and my aim is to ensure that all my colleagues enjoy the kind of tremendous opportunities that Toyota has given me throughout my time here.

FLA: Can you share one piece of information about yourself which would surprise our readers?

SR: My passion is music. I’ve played the guitar since I was five years old and, down the years, I have been in various bands, including a Pink Floyd tribute group. I currently own 18 guitars and am always looking to add to my collection. I have broad musical tastes and play anything from rock to country and folk and still perform live occasionally – either as a band member or solo.

I also undertake a lot of MC (master of ceremonies) work, where I host auctions and other events for various charities, which is great fun.