Walk through Hitachi Construction Machinery Australia (HCA)’s state-of-the-art facility in Dandenong, Victoria, and you can’t help but notice the prevalence of equipment and products from lubrication specialists Alemlube on the floor.
The Dandenong branch of the renowned global manufacturer offers a comprehensive range of services, including equipment sales (new and used machinery), parts and maintenance, and 24/7 nationwide customer assistance for breakdown management, maintenance, and parts dispatch. It’s also a key hub for assembly of heavy equipment, such as excavators and wheel loaders.
We spoke with HCA Dandenong Workshop Supervisor Matthew Wraight about the site and why the Alemlube products made such a difference.
“The Dandenong workshop plays a crucial role in the maintenance, servicing, and repair of a wide variety of heavy construction equipment,” he said.
“Spanning over five acres, it is designed to handle a high volume of machinery and offers the capacity to service a large fleet of Hitachi construction machinery and equipment.
“It goes without saying then that it’s important that we make our operations as efficient as possible.”
Matthew said that to achieve this, HCA had opted for a variety of Alemlube products into the workshop, because they provide high-quality solutions that streamline the daily work practices.
“Alemlube is known for its reliable and innovative products, which significantly enhance efficiency and safety in the workshop,” he said.
“From lubrication systems to fluid handling and waste management tools, their products are designed to make routine tasks easier, quicker, and more effective.
“By choosing Alemlube, we were able to reduce downtime, increase productivity, and ensure that we have the right tools to maintain the highest standards of performance and safety in our workshop environment.”
Matthew said HCA picked Alemlube through industry recommendations and after doing research into reliable suppliers of workshop equipment.
“Alemlube’s reputation for producing durable and efficient products caught our attention,” he said.
“We decided to explore their offerings further, and after evaluating their product range and the value they brought to the table, we made the decision to integrate them into our workshop.
“We first acquired Alemlube products around 2018, and since then, they’ve proven to be an excellent investment in terms of both functionality and long-term reliability.”
Indeed, Alemlube products are ubiquitous throughout the establishment, with a diverse range being used spanning across various categories.
“We’ve incorporated over 14 different products, including lubrication systems, fluid handling equipment, waste oil management tools, and dispensing systems,” Matthew said.
“Alemlube’s broad product offering has allowed us to address multiple aspects of our workshop needs, ensuring that every job is made easier and more efficient with the right tools at our disposal.”
Matthew picked out a couple of the Alemlube innovations to showcase their usefulness.
First up, the #11028 battery-operated oil pump, which Matthew said had significantly improved HCA’s oil-dispensing operations.
“This product is highly efficient and convenient, offering a mobile solution for transferring oils quickly and accurately,” he said.
“The battery-powered functionality eliminates the need for compressed air or manual pumping, providing greater portability and reducing setup time.
“This means we can easily move the pump between workstations and service vehicles, enhancing productivity.
“Additionally, the pump’s precision ensures minimal spillage, which helps maintain a cleaner and safer workshop environment.
“The overall reduction in time spent transferring oil and other fluids has been a game-changer for our daily operations.”
Then, in a different vein, was Alemlube’s Rewinda 20m air reel.
“This has been a fantastic addition for managing air hose lines in our workshop,” Matthew said.
“With its 20-metre length, it offers ample reach, allowing us to move around freely without constantly having to reposition the hose.
“The retractable design of the air reel ensures that the hose is neatly stored when not in use, preventing it from becoming tangled or damaged.
“This has greatly improved safety by reducing tripping hazards and keeping the workspace organised.
“The ease of use and durability of the Rewinda air reel also means that we spend less time managing hoses and more time focused on the tasks at hand.
“It’s a reliable, long-lasting solution that ensures smooth operation and reduces downtime.”
HCA currently uses four #11028 oil pumps and eight of the Rewinda air reels in the workshop.
“These quantities have been sufficient to meet our operational needs, ensuring that we have the right tools available for different workstations and tasks,” Matthew said.
“The reliability and functionality of these products have made them essential parts of our day-to-day operations, and we’re able to efficiently manage multiple jobs simultaneously with this equipment.”
Of course, maintaining a strong working relationship with Alemlube itself is important, and in this regard, Matthew welcomed the solid connection he had with company’s Regional Manager for Victoria and Tasmania, Vernon Goss.
“From the outset, the team at Alemlube has been incredibly supportive and responsive to our needs,” Matthew said.
“Vernon, in particular, has been a great point of contact, always willing to offer expert advice and ensure we have the right products for our specific workshop requirements.
“The communication has been seamless, and they’ve been proactive in providing product recommendations, troubleshooting any issues, and offering maintenance support when needed.
“Overall, the partnership has been very positive, and we appreciate their commitment to quality products and outstanding customer service.”
Matthew also loved the service and support HCA has received from Alemlube, particularly with regards to repairs and maintenance.
“Whenever we’ve needed assistance, they’ve been quick to respond and provide solutions,” he said.
“Whether it’s troubleshooting a minor issue or handling more complex repairs, their team has been knowledgeable and efficient, ensuring minimal downtime for our operations.
“Alemlube’s products are built to last, but when any repairs are required, their after-sales service has been top-notch.
“They make sure parts are available when needed and offer clear instructions for maintaining the equipment to keep it running smoothly.
“Overall, we’ve been very impressed with their comprehensive service, which has made our relationship with them even more valuable.”
With all these positive impressions, it comes as no surprise to hear Matthew says that HCA will be back for more.
“Based on our positive experience with Alemlube products so far, we are definitely considering purchasing more in the future,” he said.
“The quality, reliability, and range of products have proven to be valuable in improving the efficiency of our operations.
“As our workshop continues to grow and our needs evolve, we’ll likely expand our selection of Alemlube products to meet those demands.
“We trust that Alemlube will continue to provide innovative solutions that will support our goals, and we look forward to continuing to build on our relationship with them.”
For his part, Vernon was excited about the hose reel and the oil pump, just some of the many new products released this year, which also marks Alemlube’s 55th anniversary.
“We’re bringing a lot of new product to the market and the uptake has been exceptional. We’re very grateful to Hitachi for backing us and supporting us for a number of years, not just our general products, but in our auto lubrication system business as well,” he said.
“HCA also has a maintenance service where the team goes out into the field, and for that they need reliable product to service the machinery, from an air hose reel to a battery-operated oil pump.
“These guys on a tight schedule, they’ve got a lot of ground to cover, and our products don’t let them down.
“The 55 years is a great milestone for us and as we move forward, and that’s all credit to the directors of Alemlube.”