Goscor Rental Company, a division of Imperial’s Goscor Lift Truck Company, has made significant headway since its major restructuring and realignment just on 18 months ago. “Our re-engineered business plan, which extended our focus to include the sales of refurbished forklifts, has made a significant difference to the business,” says GRC MD Darryl Shafto.
Among GRC’s clientele are well-known blue-chip companies like Enviroserv, Game and more recently, Nkunzi Pharmaceuticals, which benefited from a uniquely structured deal that, according to GRC sales manager Richard Brown, takes the rental concept to the next phase. “In short it’s used equipment on a long-term rental with a full maintenance plan,” he says.
Nkunzi Planning and Procurement manager Lorraine Stevenson says that the creative financial solution helped Nkunzi get excellent equipment at value-for-money prices. “We’re pleased with the performance of the machines, Goscor’s service and what we are paying. We could not ask for more,” she says.
Brown says that the shrinking new equipment market (by almost 30%) means that companies are holding on to machines for longer periods and are generally looking to save money wherever they can. “This has boosted the rental and refurbished sales market considerably but has also meant that more creative solutions are required,” he says.
But Goscor has always been good at creative solutions for its clients and GRC is no exception. “One of the secrets is the way in which we handle the conundrum of short-term rental versus long-term rental versus the sale of refurbished equipment versus the sale of new equipment. We take many factors into account and ultimately give the client the solution that best suits their needs…and their pockets. And often those needs include custom-made machines that are suitable for specific purposes.
“We also know that the quality of the machines - new, refurbished or part of the rental fleet – and the quality of our service and support is crucial to the process. It is in this space, combined with world-leading equipment, that Goscor Lift Truck became the fastest growing lift truck company in Southern Africa and why we are following suit.
Shafto says that GRC’s refurbished and rental fleet forklifts are all engine inspected and fully load-tested. “Because of this, we have built up a reputation for reliability and value for money, and, therefore, a loyal clientele.”
GRC’s fleet consists of Crown and Doosan and Bendi, the very narrow aisle specialist, is currently being introduced. “We can sell or rent for a day to 24 months machines from 1-ton to 16-tons,” says Brown. “We cater for the electric, LPG and diesel markets. We provide big and small machines and have a team of qualified mechanics for every machine as well as highly trained operators and battery experts where required,” he concludes.