RELIABILITY AND TRUST...

Caledonian Industries Ltd, Douglas Gillespie Plant and Mitsubishi highlight the essential ingredients of a productive relationship

When Glasgow-based specialist foam manufacturer Caledonian Industries’ forklift contract came up for renewal, the choice was simple – and based entirely on trust.

“We knew exactly where to go for impartial, expert advice,” says Caledonian MD Alan Thornton.  “We’ve worked with Douglas Gillespie Plant for nearly 40 years and I can always rely on them to identify the trucks that will best meet our particular needs.”

Caledonian’s Engineering Manager David Thompson explains:  “Our products are lightweight, and the operating environment is benign, so you’d think any forklift would find this a doddle.  But we work long shifts, indoors, and our products need to be handled with kid gloves.”

Having assessed the site and the truck’s duties, DGP recommended a new Mitsubishi FB16NT three-wheel electric counterbalance forklift.  “The FBNT is quiet, pollution-free, smooth-running and precise,” says Douglas Gillespie.  “It’s a truck that’s kind on the environment, the driver and the load.  It’s also highly energy efficient – which means it spends longer in continuous productive action and less time having its battery recharged.”

Having seen the FBNT in action, Caledonian’s David Thompson concludes:  “The touch on this machine is excellent.  Its low height and its ability to turn within its own dimensions are ideal for our workspace.  Our drivers love the stability of its double rear wheel, as well as the truck’s all-round ergonomics.”

He adds:  “Another feature we really like is the Integrated Presence System. With IPS you have a parking brake alarm, a seat belt warning light and an interlock that prevents all truck, mast and fork movement if the driver isn’t correctly seated.”

Caledonian’s key products include delicate foam seals for the computer industry and sophisticated thermoplastics for the oil and gas and aerospace sectors.  With a global client base, and a challenging marketplace demanding innovative approaches to sales, Alan Thornton is reassured to know his equipment will continue to deliver while he chases new business.

“We had no hesitation in taking the Mitsubishi truck on a five-year contract with DGP,” says Alan, packing his bags for a client meeting in Malaysia.  “We have a relationship based on total trust.”

On behalf of Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks UK, General Manager Terry Foreman adds:  “We expect all the dealers in our network to maintain excellent standards of customer care and service, and to develop relationships of trust, so it’s not surprising that we were keen for Douglas Gillespie Plant to join us.  And now that DGP can offer the famously reliable Mitsubishi product range, as well as the exceptional product support that comes with it, we think customers in Scotland will be happier still.”

For further information on Caledonian Industries Ltd and its products, call 0141 882 4691 or visit www.caledonian-group.co.uk

For further information on Douglas Gillespie Plant, contact Tracey Gillespie on 0141 880 8811, email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it  or visit www.douglas-gillespie.co.uk . Postal address: DGP, Woodneuk Road, Darnley Industrial Estate, Glasgow, G53 7RQ.

For further information on the award-winning Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks range, and the services available from local dealers, contact This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it  or visit www.mitsubishi-forklift.co.uk . Address for Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks UK: Wyvols Court, Swallowfield, Reading, Berkshire, RG7 1WY. Tel: 0118 988 0221. Fax: 0118 988 0347.