Forklift and warehouse specialist Goscor Lift Truck has supplied 38 machines to mining and industrial equipment supplier Weir Minerals’ Alrode facility, in Gauteng.

Included in the delivery made in February were four Crown turret trucks, three Bendi forklifts and 31 Doosan forklifts, ranging in capacity from 2.5 t to 9 t. In addition, Goscor has provided a fully equipped battery bay with a spare battery for every machine. “This facility is a significant boost to our efficiency as it, in conjunction with the system we follow, helps reduce downtime,” says Weir Minerals warehouse and logistics manager Billy Dooling.

He adds that part of the deal involved assigning a permanent on-site Goscor technician, which will further assist in keeping the machines up and running at all times.

The contract for the supply of materials handling machinery was put out to tender by Weir Minerals last year. “Goscor won this on the basis of their outstanding product, competitive pricing structure, superior service and support ability . . . and, importantly, because of their ability to supply us with a range of machines for various applications. In this sense, they are a one-stop shop for us, enabling Weir Minerals to increase efficiencies by dealing with one supplier across a range of machines.”

Dooling highlights that the turret trucks will allow for work at heights of up to 12 m in aisles, while the Bendis will accommodate operations in narrow aisles for indoor and outdoor applications. The Doosans will, moreover, facilitate the lifting of a range of items from the smallest pallet of stationery for Weir Minerals’ stores to the heaviest crusher or pump.

“We receive more than 8 000 parts each day and ship out more than 10 000 [components]. We also handle very heavy plant and machinery, and safety is a major priority. The bottom line is that absolute professionalism and attention to detail are a prerequisite,” says Dooling.

Goscor Lift Truck MD Darryl Shafto notes that Goscor’s relationship with Weir Minerals is an excellent example of how a partnership between supplier and customer produces the best results. “They have a sizeable fleet countrywide which requires constant attention. So, we provide them with an around-the-clock service and they get on with what they are good at. We’re a team, with each member sticking to their core business and function,” he says.

Shafto adds that he is particularly proud of Goscor having won the Weir tender. “They are a very professional organisation and our partnership with them means a lot.”