Northpoint is a UK market leader in professional powder coating and wet paint solutions, providing protective and decorative services to regional, national, and global industries for more than 50 years. Its innovative coatings protect essential metal components from corrosion, including those used in water infrastructure, oil and gas pipelines, urban architecture, and critical marine infrastructure.
Since 2017, the Dukinfield-based specialist has partnered with Jofson, its local Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks supplier to support its manufacturing operations. This includes the most recent fleet delivery of four EDiA EX trucks and one GRENDiA ES diesel counterbalance truck, modified with adaptive speed control.
When disruption isn’t an option
Transporting its fragile customer-owned goods often of different size and weight, for coating and servicing takes exceptional care. Delays or damage can disrupt customer projects, incur significant costs and put Northpoint’s reputation at risk.
Dale Newton, Senior Logistics Manager says: “We move and ship around 250 tonnes of high-value materials every week, but if any goods get damaged, we carry the cost of repair. That’s why having a reliable fleet that can cope with our increasing demands is so vital, and the truth is that older models of trucks simply aren’t able to keep up with the pace of our operations.”
A fleet built for challenging warehouse conditions
Northpoint’s busy warehouse presents several challenges such as uneven flooring between the factory floor, warehouse area, and yard facilities as well as limited visibility.
Dale Newton continues: “The site has variable levels of ground, and our older trucks didn’t have the appropriate suspension, making operations uncomfortable and less efficient. It’s also a naturally dusty environment, and with multiple trucks working closely together, it doesn’t take long for the visibility and flexibility of movement to become an issue.”
By working closely with Jofson, Northpoint was able to modify its new trucks with bespoke features to help resolve these unique challenges.
Each truck is fitted with advanced speed control, which uses a radar to automatically detect and reduce the truck’s speed by 3 km/h when entering the warehouse. Hydraulic accumulators were fitted to improve operator comfort while reducing shocks and vibrations that may damage goods in transit. Low-carbon, low-dust non-marking tyres also reduced airborne debris, improving visibility for operators. Additionally, the machines were supplied with diff-lock that greatly enhances traction control on wet surfaces.
To further enhance safety, the new fleet was fitted with full MOT lighting, blue lights on the front and rear, and fleet management with daily safety checks to prevent unauthorised use.
Going electric for a safer, more sustainable future
The four new EDiA EX electric counterbalance trucks help towards keeping emissions to virtually zero while supporting the company’s wider sustainability goals. Northpoint has 740 rooftop solar panels that now help power the fleet, making better use of renewable energy already generated on site.
Dale Newton says: “It’s great to make efficient use of the roof space we have. It creates a more sustainable operation, which is something the company has wanted to achieve for a while. Plus, the new fleet batteries aren’t being drained as quickly which helps keep us productive for longer.”
Building on a proven partnership
Northpoint has seen significant operational benefits since upgrading its forklift fleet to the Mitsubishi EDiA EX and GRENDiA ES truck models. The trucks’ reliability and fuel efficiency have improved warehouse productivity, maximising uptime while providing a more comfortable experience for its operators.
Supported by Jofson, the company also has greater confidence in its long-term performance and sustainability.
Kevin Gorman, Sales Director for Jofson: “Carrying on this good working relationship is fundamental. We worked closely with Dale and the team and invested the time to find out what they needed from this latest delivery.
“Whether it was to create a more sustainable future for the business, or reduce driver discomfort, we wanted to create a fleet that accurately reflected its needs. We’re looking forward to continuing this partnership for the foreseeable future.”
To find out more about the award-winning Mitsubishi Forklift Truck range, call the Greenline on 0845 3713048 or visit www.logisnext.co.uk
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