An Australian supplier of prefabricated architectural timber frames, Timbertruss, has used the reliability, safety and servicing network of Toyota Material Handling Australia to help build its business into the powerhouse it is today.
Since its inception in 1989, the business has grown into Australia’s largest supplier of timber trusses, wall frames, posi-struts, cassettes and flooring systems.
With manufacturing facilities in the Geelong suburb of Corio and Brendale in Brisbane’s north, the company relies on the quality, reliability and safety of Toyota forklifts for its operations.
Toyota Material Handling Australia (TMHA) has been Timbertruss’ preferred supplier of material handling equipment for more than a decade, and recently delivered a new fleet of 20 counterbalance forklifts across the two sites. The mix of units, ranging from 2.5 to 4.0 tonnes in capacity, are used to transport timber and finished structures around the warehouses.
Timbertruss CEO Mark McDonald said the company’s preference for Toyota forklifts would only increase going forward.
“We’re gravitating towards having Toyota as our major material handling equipment provider and supplier. For all of our forklift needs, we will be relying on Toyota,” he said.
“All of our new forklift material handling fleet comes from Toyota. We have a handful of other brands, which will be retired over the coming five years.”
Timbertruss places an emphasis on employee safety, which made Toyota the perfect fit for its warehouse operations.
TMHA Corporate Account Customer Manager Trevor Smith worked with Timbertruss to arrange and deliver the new fleet of machines according to the customer’s needs and specifications, making the process as easy as possible for all parties.
“Our procurement, logistics and operations team have been working very closely with TMHA and they’re raving about it, so the feedback is very positive,” Mark said.
Timbertruss also uses Toyota’s I-Site fleet telematics system, which helps businesses of all sizes manage their forklift logistics.
I-Site allows users to control their operating costs, monitor forklift utilisation and safety incidents, and schedule servicing to ensure equipment downtime is kept to a minimum.
“I-Site has been a crucial inclusion, along with other safety systems and processes,” Mark said.
Having a large fleet of material handling equipment requires reliable servicing capability, and with a network including over 300 technicians nationwide, TMHA is able to support the servicing needs of Timbertruss to keep its forklifts operating across its yard areas.
“Toyota has supported us to tackle a specific operational challenge and advance our safety needs, and they’ve helped us work through our requirements, so we’re really happy with the outcome,” Mark said.
“The service delivery has matched the timing they promised.”
In 2011, Timbertruss joined family-owned and operated timber and hardware supplier Bowens, helping to bring its products to a wide audience of tradespeople, home renovators and do-it-yourself enthusiasts.
It also has an international footprint — along with its head office in Melbourne, the company has support offices in Vietnam and India.
For more information, freecall Toyota Material Handling Australia on 1800 425 438 or visit online at www.toyotamaterialhandling.com.au
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