Reid Stockfeeds, a trusted supplier of livestock nutrition solutions for more than four decades, has enhanced its operational efficiency and workplace safety through a customised forklift fleet solution from Linde Material Handling. The partnership has enabled the company to improve material handling performance across its five operational sites spanning Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania and New South Wales.
Built on reliability, quality and strong customer relationships, Reid Stockfeeds supports livestock producers with a wide range of feed products. The company’s manufacturing operations, including its major production facility in Trafalgar and high-volume bagging facility in Cobden, depend on efficient material movement to maintain consistent supply to customers.
To meet the diverse requirements of its facilities, Reid Stockfeeds transitioned to a long-term rental agreement with Linde Material Handling, deploying a mixed fleet of six forklifts comprising three Linde H25 hydrostatic internal combustion units and three Baoli KBE25 electric forklifts.
Jason Shelley, Transport Manager at Reid Stockfeeds, led the search for a long-term material handling solution after the company reviewed its previous equipment arrangements.”Our forklifts are critical to running our mills. If one goes down, the whole site feels it. We needed reliable equipment and a partner who could respond quickly when servicing was required,” Jason said.
Initially, Reid Stockfeeds considered moving entirely to electric forklifts. However, detailed site assessments conducted by Linde Account Manager Mia Whiteoak helped identify the most suitable solution for each location. “Mia came out to site and really looked at what we needed. That gave us confidence we were making the right decision. Some locations, such as Cobden, are fully concreted and better suited for electric forklifts, while other outdoor operations require the capability of internal combustion equipment,” Mr Jason explained.
The Linde H25 Series 1220 hydrostatic forklifts have delivered improved performance and operator comfort in demanding outdoor environments, including areas with gravel surfaces and varied operating conditions. With Reid Stockfeeds’ forklifts operating almost continuously across multiple shifts, comfort and reliability were key considerations.
At the Cobden facility, where hundreds of pallets of bagged feed are moved daily along with bulk deliveries of mineral additives, the equipment plays a vital role in maintaining productivity. “Our operators are moving bags and bulk pallets throughout the day. Comfort, reliability and easy handling were essential,” Mr Jason said. He noted that the improved ride quality of the Linde hydrostatic forklifts made a significant difference compared with previous equipment.
Safety and operational visibility have also been enhanced through the integration of Linde FleetFOCUS, a fleet management system that provides digital pre-start inspections, electronic tag-outs, impact monitoring and operator-specific access controls.”From a safety and compliance perspective, FleetFOCUS provides real value. Only authorised operators can use the equipment, giving us greater confidence across our sites,”Mr Jason added.
Reid Stockfeeds has also equipped its forklifts with Linde BlueSpot warning lights and fork positioners to improve pedestrian safety and handling efficiency across different pallet sizes. The company has benefited from Linde’s responsive service support, with maintenance assistance available quickly despite operating across regional locations.
“Whenever we have needed support, Mia and the service team have been responsive. Having someone available quickly is extremely important for our operations,” Mr Jason said. Through the long-term rental model, Reid Stockfeeds benefits from predictable costs, comprehensive servicing and access to equipment suited to its evolving operational needs.
“The equipment is reliable, our operators are happy, and we know we have support when we need it. That is what matters,” Mr Jason concluded.The partnership demonstrates how tailored material handling solutions can help regional businesses improve productivity, safety and operational continuity.
Linde Material Handling Australia Pty Ltd is a leading provider of material handling equipment and intralogistics solutions, serving customers across Australia and New Zealand. The company offers a comprehensive portfolio of electric and internal combustion forklifts, warehouse equipment, automated guided vehicles (AGVs), fleet management systems and integrated warehouse solutions designed to improve productivity, safety and operational efficiency.
Backed by a nationwide sales and service network, Linde Material Handling Australia supports industries including manufacturing, logistics, warehousing, retail, food and beverage, ports and mining. As part of the global Linde Material Handling network, the company combines advanced engineering, energy-efficient technologies and digital solutions to help businesses optimise material movement and warehouse operations while supporting the transition towards smarter and more sustainable supply chains.
