RAK Ceramics is a lifestyle brand offering premium ceramic and porcelain tile solutions across the United Kingdom. Operating from two strategic locations in Petersfield and Birmingham (Bromford), the company handles some of the heaviest loads in the industry, with pallets weighing up to one tonne each requiring careful handling in demanding warehouse environments.
With over a decade of partnership with Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks, RAK Ceramics has recently reinforced this relationship by placing new orders for their Birmingham site, reflecting the company's continued growth and confidence in the reliable equipment and tailored service provided.
At Petersfield, the warehouse's narrow aisles and the need to handle exceptionally heavy euro pallets at height demanded a specialised approach. Meanwhile, at Birmingham, the dynamic operation required equipment for intensive picking across all racking tiers, handling 200 to 500 picks daily.
Working closely with their longstanding Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks contact, Jay Bamrah, the team conducted thorough site assessments at both locations, ensuring the final specifications would meet each operation's exact needs.
At Petersfield, RAK Ceramics now operates six stand-in stackers, five equipped with stabiliser legs. Following a trial period, this configuration was identified as optimal for handling the site's unique combination of narrow aisles and extremely heavy loads up to one tonne at height.
"The stackers with stabiliser legs allow us to achieve impressive load capacity," said Anthony Mihell, Operations Manager. "It's an innovative, cost-effective solution that gives us better storage density. We can utilise our narrow aisles efficiently while maintaining the highest safety standards."
At Birmingham, RAK Ceramics specified four new Mitsubishi SENSiA EM reach trucks to replace older units. The reach trucks feature advanced intelligent systems including the Intelligent Cornering System for maximum stability, Stability Support System (S3) for optimised hydraulic functions, and Soft Motion technology for improved handling speed.
The MaxVision mast design maximises operator visibility, while the multifunctional ergologic joystick controls seven functions intuitively, reducing fatigue during continuous picking operations.
"The reach trucks perform exactly as we need them to," said Daniel Turner, Warehouse Manager at Birmingham. "The intelligent features make a real difference when picking continuously throughout the day. The operators appreciate the improved visibility and smooth, responsive controls."
One of the key benefits RAK Ceramics has experienced is the exceptional reliability of the equipment. "We've had minimal breakdowns," Daniel reported. "When issues do occur, they're primarily related to environmental factors such as uneven warehouse floors affecting wheels, rather than equipment faults."
The service and preventative maintenance programme has been equally impressive. Both sites typically have the same engineer assigned, ensuring familiarity with the equipment and quick turnaround for repairs. Most issues are resolved within 24 to 48 hours unless specialist parts are needed.
Anthony praised the customer-focused approach: "Jay has been fantastic. He's incredibly responsive and flexible, always providing multiple equipment options for us to consider. The decision-making process is straightforward; we prepare the business case and proposals go to our managing director for final approval."
The decade-long relationship between Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks and RAK Ceramics has evolved through regular site visits and open dialogue, placing operational requirements at the heart of every decision.
"It's more than just a supplier relationship," Anthony reflected. "When we needed to expand our fleet, there was no question about who we'd turn to."
Jay Bamrah, Account Manager at Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks distributor, added: "Working with RAK Ceramics has been built on understanding their evolving needs. Through collaborative assessments and trials, we've specified the right solution for each location. We're a long-term solutions partner invested in our customers' success."
With operations running smoothly across both sites, RAK Ceramics is well-positioned for continued success, supported by reliable equipment and a partnership built on trust and operational excellence.
Find out more
To find out more about the award-winning Mitsubishi Forklift Truck range, call the Greenline on 0845 3713048, or visit www.mitsubishi-forklift.co.uk.