Masonry Block Maker Takes Delivery Of Hyundai Forklift
16th January 2017
Interfuse Ltd is a family run business, established in 1965 for the manufacture of precast masonry blocks with factories in Syston and Gainsborough (UK).
The company produce dense and lightweight aggregate blocks in a range of sizes for use in all aspects of construction. The blocks are distributed through Builders’ Merchants to customers throughout the UK.
The company has recently taken delivery of its first Hyundai forklift machine – the 8tonne diesel powered 80D-9, supplied by Rugby based Hyundai dealer, Acclaim Handling.
Hefin Owen has the role of Works Manager at Interfuse and amongst his duties are the management of materials handling equipment for the business, starting with the drawing up of specifications through to overseeing the control and compliance of machinery once delivered and working to ensure optimum utilisation.
Hefin said, “We currently run a fleet of nine forklifts which includes the new 8tonne Hyundai. The other eight forklifts are Hyster machines and we have been using these for years. Simon from Acclaim dropped by the factory one day and it was perfect timing as we were in the market for a new forklift for the Gainsborough site.”
Hefin continued, “We wanted a new machine which was more cost effective but we also wanted the machine to be reliable and tackle the job in hand – our machines work around 10 hours per day so they have to be tough. Responsibilities include unloading blocks from the production line, placing in the yard for storage and loading vehicles.
We drew up a list of must haves for the new truck, including good all round vision, full lighting, load weight indicators and importantly the most up-to-date, fuel efficient low emission engines. Simon suggested the 80D-9 which we took on demo and we were impressed by the capabilities of the machine – it was the demo machine we went on to purchase.
Acclaim was able to supply us with the ideal package backed up by their first-class service. We have not had a Hyundai forklift in our fleet before but were very impressed by the specification and the attention to detail and the competitive price compared to other brands.”
Hefin concluded, “Safety on all of Interfuse’s sites is of utmost importance and the new Hyundai is fitted with Hyundai’s Operator Presence Sensing System (OPSS) which isolates all mast movement and drivetrain operation without the operator being seated. This system is fitted as standard on Hyundai’s forklifts making them amongst the safest machines on the market.
A reversing camera is fitted as standard, but we added additional LED lighting for better driver visibility and we have reduced the maximum speed of the truck for the Health & Safety of our employees and site visitors. We also specified additional lighting both front and rear, a higher spec seat for added operator comfort and a belly plate to help prevent the blowing of dust around the yard in dry weather.
Acclaim also fitted the masonry clamp to the machine which was manufactured by Finlay Block Making Equipment, based in Country Tyrone Ireland.”