When Treforest Tiling were looking to replace their twenty seven year old Manitou MC 20HP ‘Buggie’ they returned to the original supplier of the Manitou ‘Buggie’, FTM Materials Handling of Bridgend for a new Manitou forklift. The ‘Buggie’ had proved to be a reliable machine over twenty seven years and was in ‘working order’ and despite over a decade of hard work was in good condition, a testimony to the strength of build of the Manitou product. A full service history with original documents was still in the possession of the owners at the point of sale. The new Manitou is a counterbalanced diesel engine MI 30D which will take over the handling duties of the ‘Buggie’ in the yard at Treforest Tiling in Bridgend, Mid Glamorgan.

treforest-tiling

Amongst the items that are regularly handled by the Manitou are timber batons, tiles, plastic materials, felts, insulation underlay and slates. Bulk deliveries are received from suppliers which are then repackaged for bespoke orders to meet specific customer orders. Treforest Tiling is an established roofing contractor specialising in pitched roofing on new housing, offering a supply and fix contract for major house builders in the South Wales area. Owners Greg Brett and Richard Potts have overseen significant growth in recent years and trebled turnover in the last three years.

The extra lift height and capacity of the MI 30D of 4 m 70 and 3,000kg are needed for the increased weight of timber packs. Another key advantage is the MI 30D fits into the storage container where it is parked overnight for additional security and to protect the machine from all weathers, whatever the season.