Low cost lift trucks that are made in China are nothing new. Most of us are familiar with at least some of the many offerings now available in the UK and whilst there is no lack of choice of brands, many are actually white labelled and originate from the same handful of factories in China. So the number of truly different offerings in the marketplace is in fact quite small. Which makes it all the more interesting when someone does something a bit different.
Undoubtedly the quality of all these trucks has moved forward over recent years, but unfortunately the Chinese manufacturers view on the importance of supporting their customers hasn’t seen the same level of improvement. This creates a real problem for end users, for whom any initial saving can quickly be offset by any downtime due to poor quality components, delays in parts supply or a lack of availability of technical support. All often exasperated by limited warranty back up.
Not only is this a frustration for customers but also an unnecessary and time consuming headache for dealers, not to mention potentially damaging to both their reputation and their relationships with their customers.
Well, thankfully, the team behind HC Forklifts UK – The Impact Group – have done something about this and, with record UK sales in 2016/17, it appears to have been worth the effort.
Their idea was Simple, as Managing Director Terry Kendrew explains: “Whilst the ability of Chinese manufacturers to push down the cost of the equipment is unquestionable, their understanding of how important these machines are to the businesses of their customers seems of less concern and subsequently no support structures exist. It was clear to me that a ‘layer’ was missing, one that only a UK-based distributor could effectively deliver and support.
“So, back in 2012, we set about building the HC Forklifts UK business that our customers are reaping the benefits today.
“Basically we have focused on three things; firstly, we have worked closely with the manufacturer, Hangcha, to specify the right kind of machines for the market. This means that all our engines meet current European exhaust emissions requirements and are only sourced from leading, reliable suppliers – Cummins, GM, Mitsubishi or Yanmar. We have taken the same approach for our transmissions, electrical and ancillary systems and have also secured a factory supported extended warranty offering unique in the UK market too.
“Secondly, we hold an extensive truck inventory of up to 200 units at any one time and have set up a parts supply chain that retains over 10,000 parts.
“Finally, we have made the conscious decision to only sell via our own approved dealer network. We do not sell directly to end users. This has enabled us to focus all our efforts on building a unique support structure that empowers our growing network of specialist local material handling dealers.
“We underwrite their showroom stock, we offer extending flexible payment terms, we provide after sales support and give them parts & technical training. Our entire focus is solely on enabling them to deliver unparalleled value, service and support in the low cost equipment sector. All in a simple turn-key package.”
Since 2012, HC Forklifts UK has seen strong year-on-year increases in sales and has now established a solid reputation for reliable products, backed by an ‘added-value’ unique in its scale and scope within the low cost equipment sector.
HC Forklifts UK has also been quick to react to shifts in market demand, having gained valuable ground in the warehousing sector with, amongst other things, their semi-electric powered pallet trucks, which have proved themselves as a popular, safe and low cost option to manual handling equipment.
Undoubtedly the fact that most of the Hangcha product range is available in stock, for immediate delivery, has played no small part in their success – doubling sales in the last 12 months alone – and with new models and expansion to the HC factory planned for the end of this year’, I suspect this is one ‘value’ offering that we will be seeing a lot more of.
HC FORKLIFTS UK
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