Smaller, more efficient fleet

The deal saw Border Aggregates sell its 20-strong fleet to Impact Handling, with 15 new machines and one existing truck leased back on a fixed cost basis.

The structure of the deal enabled Impact Handling to replace the older fleet with machines individually specified for the work they are carrying out, making them faster and more efficient, while reducing the fleet size by 20 per cent.

Prior to the deal being signed, Impact Handling conducted surveys at each of Border Aggregates’ five sites in the North of England and Scotland.

Stephen Pelter, director and general manager at Border Aggregates, says: “Our business has grown through acquisitions in the past 18 months and we’ve gone from two to five sites. In line with this our forklift fleet has grown and it made sense for us to look for a uniform solution from one supplier.

“Impact Handling looked in detail at our operation, and was able to recommend a reduction in fleet size to help deliver savings. Their expertise has also enabled us to identify the best possible trucks for each of our sites,” he adds.

The agreement has seen Impact Handling deliver 10 new diesel-powered 2.5 tonne Cat lift trucks and five new Manitou rough-terrain lift trucks, each selected for their suitability to the sites they are operating on.

“We already operate a number of Caterpillar loading shovels within our business which perform brilliantly, so we had full confidence in the quality and reliability of the Cat lift trucks which Impact Handling could offer,” Pelter adds.

“Impact Handling spent time looking closely at our operation and they weren’t afraid to suggest an alternate brand of truck for some of our sites. It was clear from our conversations with them that it wasn’t about selling what they had in stock – it was about ensuring we benefited from the optimum materials handling solution,” he concludes.

The 10 DP25Ns have dependable and easy to service engines offering an excellent blend of power and performance with the advantage of low fuel consumption and emissions, making them easy and economical to use. Ideal for industrial applications, the trucks achieve outstanding traction on sloping or slippery surfaces with solid pneumatic tyres providing excellent operator comfort.

The five Manitou rough-terrain machines offer shock absorber technology which keeps the load stable and the torque converter gives the operator a selection of gears suitable for high performance on all ground conditions.

Border Aggregate’s new fleet will be serviced and maintained by Impact Handling’s nationwide team of mobile service engineers, fitting original equipment spare parts and offering a four-hour response time in the event of a machine requiring immediate attention.