Irish distillery takes Hyundai forklift

The Echlinville Distillery became Northern Ireland’s first licenced distillery in over 125 years and is headed up by managing director, Shane Braniff. 

Braniff says: “We have a very good relationship with JD Forktrucks and have been buying trucks from the company for over 25 years. They also offer a very good service and keen pricing. John Cooke looks after us very well – he is a real character!

“We chose to purchase Hyundai, as the brand in the UK, has become synonymous with reliability and quality. The warranty on the machines is also excellent. When John showed me the brochures for the 25D-9 I was impressed - the machine looked very good and very fresh. I particularly liked the digital screen and the substantial tyres on the truck.”

Braniff continues: “We chose the 25D-9 because it was slightly bigger than what we needed and it gives us the capacity to lift a heavier load if required. This from a safety and operational perspective is important. The forward vision is excellent – possibly the best out of all the trucks I have looked at.”

The machine also has an electric hand brake system which is combined with an anti-roll back function. This means that if the machine is inclined more than three-degrees and the machine comes to a stop, the handbrake is automatically activated to prevent the machine rolling back. 

“We also specified extra side-shift and fork positioners as I think they are a must – and I am not sure how people can work their machines to their full capacity without them.

“This machine also has a three-stage mast which I have never worked with before now – it’s great to have as is the self-levelling feature of the truck. Our operators are pleased with the truck – they also like the comfortable seat in the cab which provides plenty of support.  This machine is the perfect partner to the Caterpillar telehandler  we have – they work side by side stacking casks in the distillery,” concludes Braniff.

JD Forktrucks 

JD Forktrucks, based in Newtownabbey Northern Ireland has recently been appointed as the region’s exclusive distributor for Hyundai Heavy Industries forklift trucks and warehouse equipment. The company was established in 1980 and specialises in the sales, servicing, long and short term hire of Diesel, LP Gas and Electric forklift trucks.

JD Forklifts MD Mr. John Cooke says: “We were looking to expand the business with a recognised quality brand. We knew of Hyundai’s excellent reputation for its forklift trucks and warehouse equipment so we contacted the Hyundai’s head office in Belgium.

“We met with Hyundai’s fork truck divisional sales manager Gino Van de Auwera and discussed the terms of taking on the brand and within a very short time JD Forktrucks was officially announced as Hyundai’s exclusive forklift truck distributor for Northern Ireland.” 

Mr. Cooke added, “We were very impressed with not only the whole Hyundai set up, but the quality of the trucks, the vast stock of over 300 machines and a 95% of spare part guaranteed availability within 24 hours delivered to the customer’s door.”  

The first delivery of two x 25D -9E, one x 30D-9 and one x 70D-9 are expected to arrive from Antwerp in March.

JD Forktrucks can offer the full range of Hyundai forklift trucks from a capacity of 1,000kgs right up to 25,000kgs. The range includes electric, diesel, LP Gas and warehousing models for both sales and long & short term rental.

Echlinville Distillery’s brands include Echlinville Single Estate Irish Gin, Jawbox Classic Dry Gin, Bán Poitín and the multi global award-winning Dunville’s Irish Whisky.