When Franklin Silencers Ltd – who design, manufacture and supply a range of industrial silencers as well as associated fabrication work – decided to upgrade the materials handling equipment at their Northamptonshire factory, the company invested in used forklift trucks from Jungheinrich's Ready to Go collection.

Franklin acquired electric and LPG-powered counterbalanced forklift trucks for use within both its manufacturing and distribution sites. The gas-powered truck is used predominantly around the production plant where it unloads lorries bringing in raw steel, while the electric-powered machine is at work within the company's finished products warehouse.

Because the intensity at which they are expected to perform did not warrant purchasing new units, used trucks were the perfect choice for Franklin.

"Many users are turning to used equipment when the time comes to replace their lift trucks," says Craig Johnson, Jungheinrich UK's marketing manager.

"Of course, the task that the truck or trucks will be required to undertake should always be considered when contemplating buying used machines, but with fully refurbished trucks available at around two thirds of the price of a new truck – and, in some cases, up to 40 per cent less – many forklift operators have found that used equipment represents an attractive and economical alternative to new machines," he adds.

Refurbished to an extremely high standard and ready to start work straight away, all Jungheinrich Ready to Go trucks come with a full service history, valid LOLER certification and up to six months warranty. As well as electric- and engine-powered counterbalance machines, refurbished internal warehousing machines such as reach trucks and order pickers are available. Furthermore, all Jungheinrich Ready to Go trucks are offered for next-day delivery.

Danny Weisenberger, Franklin's deputy managing director, commented: "We chose used machines instead of new trucks because the Jungheinrich models were refurbished to an extremely high standard and represented extremely good value for money."

As part of the package, Jungheinrich will maintain and service Franklin's trucks.

Jungheinrich holds regular used equipment fairs at its depots around the UK. For details of the next event visit www.jungheinrich.co.uk