Innovative shipping container modification manufacturer Modulate Group has enhanced the sustainability and reliability of its forklift fleet by switching to Toyota Material Handling Australia (TMHA) products.
The Newcastle-based Modulate Group is one of Australia’s leading modular and portable building manufacturers, offering an array of robust portable building solutions based off shipping containers.
After taking over from previous owners in 2020, Modulate Group managing director Paul Adams wanted to replace the existing fleet of ageing material handling equipment that the company inherited.
Mr Adams was quick to go with the durability and performance of Toyota forklifts, with the additional bonus of battery-electric technology which was chosen for three 8FBN25 2.5-tonne forklifts and one Huski scissor lift.
Mr Adams also worked closely with TMHA area sales manager Matt Hoare to source two additional second-hand diesel-powered forklifts used to move Modulate’s shipping containers, including a unit with an incredible 16-tonne lifting capacity.
The three Toyota 8FBN25 battery-electric forklifts help reduce the environmental impact of Modulate Group’s operations, providing zero operating emissions inside the warehouse where they are used day in, day out to pick up and transport a range of materials used to fit out the portable buildings.
Modulate uses its new Huski electric scissor lift to work at height and gain access to the container roofs, while the 6-tonne and 16-tonne forklifts load, unload and move the shipping containers.
Modulate Group marketing and strategy manager Sebastien Hammacher said the company decided to choose TMHA because the durability and reliability of Toyota products resonated with Modulate, who share the same values.
“Our previous forklifts were quite old, which is why we replaced them with Toyota,” Mr Hammacher said.
“Toyota has a reputation for being quite reliable, safe and we wanted to use something which we know would last long-term, like our products, basically.”
Since becoming a Toyota customer in September 2024, the Modulate team have been enjoying the performance of their new Toyota machines, as well as the fast and knowledgeable servicing provided by TMHA’s network of technicians.
“Most of the feedback has been around ease of use, reliability, and the service that Toyota provides,” Mr Hammacher said.
“If we have an issue and need to do some maintenance on the machines, Toyota is quite responsive, so it just makes everything easier. To have one central partner to talk to and be able to organise maintenance is a big plus.
“What I’ve heard from Paul and the whole team so far, we’re extremely happy – we don’t have any issues.”
Modulate Group signed a service agreement with Toyota for scheduled servicing to retain optimal reliability and durability, carried out by Toyota’s service network which boasts over 300 technicians nationwide.
Modulate Group specialises in the fabrication and fit out of modified shipping containers of various size, which provide businesses with private customers with a more robust alternative to a standard demountable building.
Used as remote offices, ablution units, storage lockups and even off-grid accommodation, Modulate Group can even create custom builds such as portable cafés, commercial kitchens, stackable towers and pop-up bars.
It also offers environmentally friendly solutions such as solar panel installation and cork insulation which helps to reduce the reliance on air conditioning, while offering an expected design life of 25 years.
Fully Australian owned and made, Modulate Group can ship from its Newcastle warehouse all around Australia, and even overseas into the Pacific region.
