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.
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 Managing Director, Mr. John Cooke said, “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.” Mr. Cooke concluded, “Northern Ireland fork truck users deserve such a high-quality truck with access to that kind of back up service. 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.
JD Forktrucks has already secured its first Hyundai Forklift order for a 2.5 tonne diesel powered 25D-9 – the order was placed by the world-renowned state of the art Echlinville Distillery located near Kircubbin, Co. Down. The new machine was delivered earlier this week.
LtR Shane Braniff Echlinville and John Cooke JD Forktrucks
The Echlinville Distillery became Northern Irelands first licenced distillery in over 125 years distilling its first spirit in 2013. The company, is headed up by Managing Director, Shane Braniff. The 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.
Mr. Braniff is no stranger to the Hyundai brand as he used to own and race a Hyundai Accent WRC World Rally Car in 2004 and 2005 with his co-pilot Vincent Fergus. Mr. Braniff’s first race in the Hyundai Accent was at the Golden Tulip Raleigh in the Netherlands in 2004.
On purchasing the new Hyundai forktlift from JD Forktrucks Mr. Braniff said, “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 the Managing Director 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 – I can honestly say that these are the biggest tyres on a forktruck I have come across!” Added Mr.Braniff
Mr. Braniff continued, “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 – which is an excellent safety aspect. 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.”
Mr. Braniff concluded, “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.”
A celebrity following for Echlinville Distillery.
The Distillery has established its reputation at the forefront of Ireland’s spirits renaissance and as a key player on the Irish whiskey tourist trail. Its products are stocked around the UK, including at London’s Fortnum and Mason’s, where James Nesbitt OBE and Prince Charles recently sampled Dunville’s PX 10-Year-Old Single Malt at an event celebrating Northern Ireland food and drink.
Former Prime Minister Rt Hon David Cameron has also sampled Echlinville’s wares at a recent UK Export event, ‘Food is GREAT’, held in London where once again Northern Ireland’s food and drink industry was showcased.
