Europe’s leading pallet network, Palletways, has described its groundbreaking switch to Mitsubishi forklift trucks as “perfect”.

Last year, the firm took the major decision to break with the longstanding forklift supplier at its massive Lichfield depot, and instead sourced 60 GRENDIA LPG trucks and associated equipment from Jofson Mitsubishi.

A year on, the new Mitsubishi trucks have proven so successful the switch could be copied at other sites across the continent.

“After 14 years, it was a major decision to break away from our previous supplier,” explains Palletways general manager Dave Daniels. “Understandably, we were worried. But it was perfect. We couldn’t be happier.”

Performance and economy compared

The Mitsubishi GRENDIA model was selected following extensive testing and comparison of fuel economy and short-shuttle performance against major competitors. An experienced Palletways forklift operator visited Jofson to finalise the trucks’ specification, with fingertip hydraulic controls and individual driver ID.

Meanwhile, John Wright of Jofson created a bespoke service agreement to ensure the trucks would always deliver for Palletways’ intensive, round-the-clock operation.

Even with such in-depth preparation and support, however, Palletways prepared for teething troubles that are common with major contracts. None arrived.

Dave Daniels recalls: “The transition to Mitsubishi was actually far smoother than we had expected.

“I liked John Wright immediately. He’s a straight-talking, professional guy and gave us no false promises: everything Jofson said, they’ve delivered. I can’t praise them highly enough.”