With a healthy intake of orders which will exceed planned targets in year one, HC Forklifts UK has enjoyed a great start to business – but what is it about this new brand that has captured the interest of materials handling operators in the UK?
According to HC Forklifts UK’s Business Development Manager, Nigel Martin, it’s the competitive total cost of ownership, matched with the reliability and excellent availability of the machines that has scored highly with customers.
He says: “All HC trucks are designed to a high standard and built by one of the world’s largest manufacturers, Hangcha, in its Chinese factory.
However, for the UK we specify running gear sourced from Japan and Korea. As a result, all of the models we sell are fitted with Yanmar, Nissan, Perkins or Cummins engines – depending on the size of truck – and Okamura, MS or ZF transmissions. By combining driveline technology which customers in the UK are already familiar with, together with a winning Chinese design, customers can be confident the machines they are investing in arebuilt to last and will provide a long and reliable service life.”
The full HC range includes 1-32 tonne diesel counterbalance trucks, plus 1-7 tonne gas-powered forklifts and a mix of three and four-wheel electric trucks up to 5 tonnes. All electric trucks come with a UK sourced battery and Curtis (UK) electronic systems. HC Forklifts UK can also offer Hangcha’s recently launched warehouse range, plus its tow tractors, access equipment and sideloaders.
Martin adds: “For many of the end-users our dealers are talking to, rapid product availability is the key benefit they are looking for. For special builds there can be a lead time from the factory, but we aim to supply most orders from stock. If we have the right model available in our operations centre in Corby, delivery can be as quick as the next day – or same day if the customer wants to collect.”
The Man Behind HC Forklifts UK
Running the day-to-day operations of HC Forklifts UK is Nigel Martin, appointed by Terry to spearhead the new operation as Business Development Manager.
Martin is no stranger to the materials handling sector, having started in an operational role at PLP Lift Trucks and worked his way up within the industry, moving into sales a decade ago.
With 15 years industry experience behind him, he brings a wealth of knowledge to his new role and Terry says he was the obvious choice to build the dealer network in the UK.
Commenting on his role, Nigel says: “I am involved in everything from signing-up new dealers, to providing technical and sales support to the dealers. I travel all over the UK and there have been a lot of 12-hour days this year, but when we look back at what we’ve achieved, it’s been worth it.
“I am delighted with how the HC range has been accepted in the UK and have every confidence that 2014 will see us take this success to the next level.”
Nigel began his new role at HC Forklifts UK with a blank canvas. “I travelled to Hangcha in late 2012, and was overwhelmed by the sheer size of the operation. From the minute you arrive on site, you know this is a company who means business.
“In the UK we’ve been able to select the dealers we want to work with, and the feedback we’re getting is fantastic. There’s a lot of communication between different dealers in the marketplace and, as a result, we’ve been approached by companies wanting to become a dealer after hearing positive remarks. It’s great to see the power of good old fashioned word-of-mouth.”
HC Forklifts UK
Tel: 0845 600 9790
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