Food company signs 5-year MHE deal with Impact

Processed vegetable, salad and mayonnaise producer Troy Foods has taken delivery of a fleet of materials handling equipment from Impact, the UK’s sole Cat Lift Trucks distributor.

The order includes six Cat NPR20N power pallet trucks – specified with larger PowerFlex batteries for increased uptime – a diesel-powered DP25NTD counterbalance forklift truck, and a pair of electric forklifts – one EP15PNT and one EP20PNT.

Troy Foods’ new materials handling equipment was supplied on a five-year contract which includes comprehensive repair and maintenance, which will see Impact provide quality technical assistance and aftermarket support.

Impact will also establish a proactive maintenance programme with the company, ensuring engineers visit outside of peak times wherever possible to carry out regular ‘check-ups’ on the assets.

Paul Farrant, General Manager at Troy Foods, says: “Impact’s flexibility was the first thing that attracted us to the company – they took the time to really understand our requirements, and supplied a competitive, bespoke materials handling package that was right for our needs. There was no hesitation or time wasted in setting up the contract – we asked, and Impact answered.

“The equipment we’re operating has quickly proven itself durable, reliable and more than up to the task. Anything we need from Impact has been dealt with quickly and efficiently, and it seems nothing is too much for the company. Things just get done – which is perfect for us as we approach the seasonal summer peak.”

The Impact-supplied fleet will be used extensively at Troy Foods’ Hunslet site, moving stock and raw materials around the 40,000ft² factory floor and loading fresh produce including dressed salads, coleslaw and potato salad aboard the company’s distribution vehicles.

Troy Foods’ customers include major supermarket chains, wholesalers, restaurants and high-street stores.

During periods of peak seasonal demand the fleet will be in operation 24 hours a day, as Britain’s shoppers hit the shelves to bag the freshest foodstuffs.

“We’re sure to go back to Impact for more equipment if we need it, as this first contract has worked out very well indeed,” adds Farrant. “In fact, we recently went through something of a ‘rush’ period, and needed an additional forklift for a couple of days – one call to Impact later and a fourth forklift arrived to pick up the slack. You can’t buy that kind of customer service.”