Northamptonshire CESAB dealership Hitec Lift Trucks is celebrating 30 years in business this summer.

With major contract wins, quality accreditations and a move to impressive new offices among recent milestones, Hitec, which employs 23 people at its Wellingborough base, has seen huge growth since its launch in 1986. Hitec director Prospero Girardi says being a Cesab dealership is a key factor:

“Joining the Cesab network has enabled us to guarantee high quality product and service and the ability to work with other Cesab dealers to support customers up and down the country. Businesses with their head office in our area can partner with us, knowing that maintenance, repairs and servicing are available wherever they need it.”

One such Hitec customer is a large Wellingborough-based company with depots throughout the UK. Hitec is able to supply all the client's sites, not just local ones and provide support where needed through the Cesab network. The customer's confidence in the arrangement is reflected in its decision to follow up an initial purchase of 20 new counterbalanced trucks with a further ten machines more recently.

Investment in quality accreditations and improved workspaces has also been high on the company's agenda. In late 2015 Hitec became the first UK based Cesab dealership to achieve certification in ASEC, the only worldwide quality programme of its kind in the material handling industry. More recently, the company refurbished its existing premises to maximise the onsite facilities.

Director Andrew Selbie: “We made a considerable investment to achieve ASEC, which stands at bronze level but is expected to rise to silver when our latest audit is finalised. We've also ensured we provide the best possible working environment for our engineers, giving them the technology they need to do the best job they can and have invested in new offices for the sales team. We're certain that providing comfortable surroundings is a key ingredient for keeping a workforce happy and productive.”

Prospero: “It’s amazing to look back 30 years and see where we have come. When Andrew and I started out we didn't know where that would take us. I don't think either of us knew the company would become the size it is today. Inevitably the last 30 years have been a roller-coaster at times but we've come through every challenge, are now stronger than ever and can't wait to see what the next few years bring.”