Award-winning Wolverhampton-based forklift specialists Gardner Technical Services are currently celebrating 25 years’ success and confidently predict increased business in 2009, as quality forklift services remain top priority for truck users despite the recession.
Founded in 1984 by Managing Director Colin Gardner and his wife Eileen, the Financial Director, Gardner Technical Services provides forklift truck servicing, reconditioned truck sales and driver training, and is accredited to ISO 9001-2000 and RTITB-registered.
These sought after accreditations involve regular inspections and appraisals, ensuring the continued high standard of service enjoyed by GTS’ customers. The growing client list includes A F Blakemore’s Cash and Carry and Food Service divisions, Salton Europe, SPAR, Vogue UK, One Stop Stores and many other major names.
At Gardner Technical Services quality control begins the moment a call is received and logged by the service desk. Response is speedy, with a fleet of fully equipped vans and experienced field engineers and five forklift bays providing full workshop facilities back at base to carry out the work, which is guaranteed for a minimum six months.
An on-site service from Gardner Technical Services covers all aspects of a forklift truck, including electrics, hydraulics, motors, steering, brakes and wheels. If major repairs are required the truck is taken to GTS’ workshops in Brickheath Road, Wolverhampton. Customers are actively encouraged to visit to see the work being undertaken.
Colin Gardner explains how Gardner Technical Services put the customer first: “We have a long working relationship with many of our customers, some who have been with us since we started. We talk regularly and discuss clients’ future plans and truck movement areas or charging areas.”
This commitment has helped Gardner win awards over the years, as Colin recalls: “When we took part in a national small business competition, Industry Year, in 1986, a judging panel member asked why our logo was a Knight Errant. I said it represented our commitment to serve the customer. We won the competition, and were awarded the prize for Business Initiative and Structural Development and first prize overall.”
Refurbishment of all makes of forklifts is another Gardner service. Used trucks are stripped down to the chassis and rebuilt with new parts, incorporating the latest technology and safety features, at a fraction of the cost of a new model and carrying the same 12 months warranty.
Today’s emphasis on health and safety makes Gardner’s third service, forklift driver training, crucial. GTS’ driver training centre has been purposely designed to cover the safety, theory and practice of forklift operating. Manager and supervisor awareness courses are also available.
The centre is RTITB-accredited and regularly inspected, says Colin: “We simply want it to be the best place to learn to operate a forklift truck and give new operators the capability and the confidence to operate their forklift safely.“
Gardner Technical Services’ staff members have considerable experience, with four recently reaching 20 years’ service. On 7 May workshop manager Avery Wellings, engineers Wilfred Ansine and Chris Savage and receptionist Debbie Owen were each presented with engraved decanters, champagne and a cheque for £500. Continuing the celebrations to mark 25 years of award-winning success Gardner held an open house on May 14-15 for existing and potential customers.
It’s good news all round for the company, says Colin Gardner: “We started out during a recession, back in 1984, when our customers were all looking for value for money. We prospered in that environment, and we’re confident that this year will bring us further growth. In today’s tough climate people in every area of business still need top quality support for their forklifts but, with the other pressures on them they expect it at affordable prices, which we’re well placed to deliver.”
Gardner Technical Services
Tel: 01902 870736
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