New approach to forklift rentals
Published: 12 April, 2017
Visiting the launch of its new “Forkcourt” and Business Hub, Joss Dixon reports on how Jungheinrich is embracing a new ethos.
The increasingly uncertain world of industry demands adaptation from businesses, and they in turn pass their demands on to those who provide them with solutions.
That seems to be the pressing concern for Jungheinrich, who has announced the launch of its new “Power Buy the Hour” rental package, what it has claimed is “a highly flexible and completely new approach” to UK-based forklift truck rentals.
Additionally, the new flagship “Forkcourt” showroom and Business Hub aims to offer a new and alternative method of engaging with potential and existing customers.
The “Power Buy the Hour” packages came about as a response to invested research undertaken with its short-term rental customer base, which showed that uncertainty was causing a shift in the market. Those relying on the solutions and services provided by Jungheinrich did not want to be tied down to long-term contracts.
This was reflected in the fact that “the traditional 9-5 approach” for working was gradually being replaced by “24-7 demand patterns”.
It’s believed that this change in working cycle and the generally unpredictable nature of industry as a range of economic and technological factors affect it is causing those who rely on logistical companies to become more cautious.
Aware of the fact that their needs may change drastically over the relatively short space of a year, businesses are reluctant to sign up for 5-6 year rentals that could prove costly should they go to waste.
Neil Warren, used wquipment, rental, and workshop director of Jungheinrich UK, explained further: “The new Power Buy the Hour rental packages represent a completely new model for hiring forklift trucks in the UK, and provide our customers with even more control and visibility in line with their individual requirements.”
With a minimum of 600 hours over 12 months and an option to adjust this in line with a business’ requirements, it’s believed that this will offer a competitive alternative to longer contracts.
Keen to embrace the use of modern digital technologies to enable the most efficient use of equipment, Warren also highlighted how telematics data will be incorporated into day-to-day usage: “As demand for a 24/7 service mounts for businesses across all industries, the accompanying Power Buy the Hour app will provide forklift truck operators with vehicle information around the clock.” He added: “Data on vehicle usage will be available at their fingertips, along with information such as overspend, vehicle status and warning alerts”.
The other half of the big development for Jungheinrich was the launch of its new flagship showroom, the “Forkcourt”, which also includes the Business Hub.
Designed to give a more personal touch to the rental process, the central element is the display of remanufactured forklift trucks, all of which are available for rental by customers.
The use of these “2nd life trucks” will allow the company to operate at a more accessible and sustainable level, while offering the same warranties and coverage as its brand-new models.
At the launch, Warren emphasised that it is hoped these will also help to give a “feel and flavour” of the company, bringing a “German ethos” to the UK fleet.
Each refurbished truck bears a card with the signature and picture of the engineer who refurbished it to its “good as new” standard. This is an aspect that the company says it prides itself on.
In addition to this, Jungheinrich anticipates that the “Business Hub” will be able to “promote industry growth and collaboration in the local area”, building on its previous successes with the launch of its Dartford showroom in April 2016.
The Milton Keynes “Forkcourt” will be accessible to local businesses as a free-to-use workspace, with “state-of-the-art” facilities for “training purposes, conferences, or consultations with Jungheinrich specialists”.
Discussing the ambitions of the company on a local scale, Warren expressed his desire to show support and invest in the area: “Jungheinrich has the only refurbishing production line in the world dedicated to remanufacturing forklift trucks to a standard that’s as good as new.” He continued: The Milton Keynes “Forkcourt” is an opportunity to showcase the quality of these five-star refurbishments and their benefits to our customers in the surrounding area.
“Combined with our new Business Hub concept, we look forward to working more collaboratively to support local industry and the materials handling and intralogistics requirements of companies it’s comprised of.”
Looking forward, Warren also mentioned that he was exploring the potential for establishing the UK’s first online forklift truck rental, offering 24/7 booking capabilities.
