Three Cat® lift trucks have become integral to event logistics at the new £60 million First Direct Arena in Leeds, after venue management firm SMG Europe ordered the machines from Impact Handling.
The GP18, GP25 and NPV20N trucks were delivered in time to set-up for the venue’s inaugural concert – Bruce Springsteen’s first indoor UK show for six years – and have since played a part in the rigging and take down for Elton John, Leonard Cohen, Rod Stewart and the Kaiser Chiefs.
They are used to load and unloadall staging, seating, speakers, lighting, and also move musical instruments at the 13,500-capacity venue.
SMG Europe’s Facilities Manager, Lee Sinnott, said he chose the machines for their reliability and efficiency, and Impact Handling for its service expertise – after evaluating options from a number of suppliers in the market.
He says: “Forklift trucks are the real workhorses of our industry and because we book shows two to three years in advance it is crucial that on the day we get everything spot on. There can be absolutely no room for error. Our trucks have to be 100 per cent reliable from the moment the tour arrives at 6am for setting up through to the end of the show 24 hours later. It’s a demanding job, and that’s why we selected the Cat machines for the job.
“Another key selling point for us is the support we receive from Impact Handling’s team in Doncaster. They make sure we see the same mobile engineer each time,and they promised a consistently high quality and reliable service which is exactly what they have given us.”
The GP18 and GP25 lift trucks are suited to tackling demanding indoor and outdoor applications. Both are fitted with LPG-powered engines, which deliver an impressive fuel economy and minimal emissions, as well as PowerShift transmissions for easy operation and service. They have also been specified with fork extensions and side-shift for greater flexibility and reach.
The NPV20N power pallet truck is designed to provide smooth and precise handling for medium and long-distance movements, as well as vehicle loading and unloading.
SMG manages more than 220 venues worldwide including in Canada,Chile, England, Germany, Northern Ireland, Poland, Puerto Rico Turkey and the US.
Impact Handling
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