Case Study

Manufacturing

DSF Refractories

Our work with DSF has been some of the most rewarding and significant work that Rushlift has ever undertaken.
 The reason stems from DSF’s own processes, mixing, processing, grinding and shaping refractory materials that can prove deadly to some makes of forklifts and machinery.
Recently, we delivered nine new Doosan forklifts to the Derbyshire site, taking DSF’s total fleet to over 25 units, including Volvo bucket loaders, tugs and rotators.
 A combination of 1.5, 3.0 and 4.0 tonnes capacity diesel machines have been added to a fleet which is used in the production of refractory bricks made from raw materials imported from around the world.  With a turnover in excess of £20m a year, DSF is the countries leading refractory business, manufacturing the heat resistant blocks for use in glass, steel and other heat using industries. 
 Forklifts and the loading shovels are used all the way through the manufacturing process, and operations director, Russell Whitehurst, knows that the trucks are needed to keep the business moving - “from off-loading the raw materials to handling the finished products”  Doosan’s simplicity of design, rugged reliability and dust resistant oil cooled disc brakes were cited by Russell as some of the main reasons for DSF choosing the Pro-5 models.  
 Having had all manner of equipment previously, the team are well aware that everything with an engine requires special consideration. Russell even goes so far as to say that some competitor machines have failed to cope with the environment after just one day!
 Thankfully we have developed an excellent relationship and DSF now rely on us to provide excellent service and keep the business moving forward. Together we have continually made changes to the forklift specification to give the maximum performance as well as a good working life.  The latest trucks incorporate extremely high efficiency clean air filtering which has been developed by Rushlift during the time they have been working with DSF. The system improves engine life and minimises pollution from the vehicles. Our on-site engineer, Steve Hallet, keeps the fleet in excellent shape and we approach all new equipment requirements with an eye on the tough working environment.
 That said, we’re delighted to be such a crucial partner in DSF’s success after all these years and the fact that the company has also chosen Doosan forklifts for its new Chinese factory also shows how they have given the products an extra vote of confidence.
 Established over 100 years ago, DSF began mining local mineral deposits to manufacture refractories for use in the production of town gas. Through the 1960's, the business diversified into supplying other industries including steel, glass and cement. Latterly, a new management team have invested in a 1700°C kiln; the largest intermittent kiln in Europe firing to this temperature, and a state of the art automatic block grinding machine which more than doubles grinding capacity. 
 The recently opened Chinese factory is intended to produce cast blocks predominantly for the Glass industry. Based in the Tianjin Economic Development Area close to Xingang Port, the company employs a local team of 12, manufacturing equipment is now installed and production has commenced will full production expected to take place by the end of 2008.
 With additional capacity for high quality cast blocks and shapes, the new manufacturing facility represents  DSF’s commitment to the glass industry, not only in China, but worldwide.
 Meanwhile back in Derbyshire, all the new units are in full swing. We believe that a combination of good products and consistently high levels of service over the last decade have been key to the new DSF deal. It’s fair to say we have a very honest and hard working relationship with DSF - and long may it continue!
 
Rushlift is a leading provider of innovative materials handling solutions, with over 150 mobile engineers servicing customers from Aberdeen to Cornwall. As part of the Specialist Hire Group, Rushlift has experienced phenomenal growth over the past 5 years, and was recently voted one of the fastest growing companies registered in the North East.