The Starlaw Distillery, owned by Glen Turner in Bathgate, Scotland, produces ten whiskies (Label 5, Glen Moray, and Cutty Sark) and has approximately 3.2 million bottles in stock. Now, 16 Hyundai forklifts, ten 3.5-tonne (35B-9U) for shipping, and six explosion-proof 5-tonne trucks are bringing a new level of efficiency to operations.
Glen Turner operates three main bottling lines, two of which produce up to 13,000 bottles/hour and one at 7,500 bottles/hour. The 3.5-ton cranes are equipped with triplex masts for a 5,500 mm lifting height. Double pallet clamps are the preferred attachments. The 5-ton cranes are equipped with 7,500 mm triplex masts, allowing them to stack casks seven high. They feature fully heated cabins and explosion-proof forks.
35B-9U with multiple clamp
The 5-ton forklifts move barrels in the aging cellars (capacity 750,000 barrels). Due to the volatile fumes that can be released during this process, known as the "angel's share," the 50B-9 forklifts were retrofitted by Pyrobane. The ATEX-compliant 3G retrofit is a gas detection system. Since 2022, the Purvis Group has been the dealer in Scotland for all Hyundai material handling equipment.
All electric forklifts are equipped with PzS (standard armored plate) batteries. The 3.5-ton forklifts can complete two shifts on a single battery charge in the distribution center. All forklifts feature the HiMate monitoring system from HD Hyundai. Drivers receive access codes that guide them through their daily machine checks.
50B-9 with triplex lifting frame
The system can be used for zone management and shuts down forklifts if they are operating in an unauthorized area. It also reports maintenance and repair requirements. In the event of a malfunction, HiMate generates a notification to the supervisor and a technician.
The Purvis Group, founded in 1980 by Bob Purvis, expanded from equipment and tool rental into transport, building supplies, civil engineering, demolition work, earthworks and recycling.
Hyundai Material Handling Europe produces and sells LPG, electric and diesel powered forklifts from 1.5 to 30 t and warehouse equipment (low and high pallet trucks) used in various industries such as logistics, distribution, shipbuilding, steel, automotive and chemicals.
Photos: O. Bachmann
The European division distributes its products through a qualified network of more than 60 dealers in 22 countries. Globally, Hyundai Material Handling has subsidiaries in the USA, Europe, Korea, India, and Brazil. Its two factories in Korea (Gunsan and Ulsan) have a combined production capacity of 24,000 units. The company has announced numerous new products for 2025, 2026, and 2027.
