When did you start in the industry, and what do you remember about your first day?
I started in 1978. That was a long time ago, so I don’t recall every detail of my first day. But I do remember that for at least six months I wasn’t allowed to handle any sort of machinery. It was just about watching and learning from my colleagues and not hurting myself or getting into trouble.
How did your workday look when you began, and how is it different now?
In the early days I just learnt the basics. Whether it was sweeping floors, or making hot drinks, I did what I was told. I wasn’t allowed near the engines until I’d put in some time and picked up as much knowledge as I could from the guys I worked with. Once I was out on the road in Devon and Cornwall, it became a steep learning curve as I had to deal with issues which I hadn’t been trained for.
Now, things are more structured. I sort out breakdowns, carry out regular maintenance and chat with customers. Even though the tools have changed, the need to be reliable has been with us from the start.
Which trucks do you work on most these days?
These days, I mainly work on the SENSiA EM, the EDiA EM electric counterbalance and the PREMiA range. The PREMiA, in particular, gets a lot of nods from customers because it’s quick at unloading a lorry. It’s a good example of how modern tech can really make a difference without losing the sturdy, no-nonsense build we’re known for.
How has your relationship with customers changed over the years?
When I started, it was mostly about selling a truck and moving on. Now, it’s all about building a proper relationship, then making sure to follow up after a sale and offer support. Customers also recognise the strength of the Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks name — it carries a lot of trust. That trust comes from a long tradition of doing things right, and people notice that. It’s certainly a big name in the industry and a selling point that might not have made such a difference in the earlier parts of my career.
What led you to work with forklifts, and how have they evolved?
I fell into the industry when I was 16, and I found it fascinating — as you can tell by the fact I’m still here. Obviously over the years, technology has improved leaps and bounds. Advanced safety features and downtime reports — which we could only dream of in the 80s — are now standard. A lot of trucks then didn’t even have an overhead guard. In the past it was all about speed. Today there’s a greater focus on safety and efficiency.
What do you remember about the first trucks you worked on in the 70s and 80s?
Back then, the old trucks were all quite similar. They were built to be strong and fast but were very basic. I remember they were all relatively nice to work on, although often odd in terms of bodywork and transmissions. There wasn’t much in the way of extra features or operator safety systems. And sure, they got the job done, but you often had to make do when things went wrong. The simplicity taught us a lot about reliability — that still influences how things are done today.
Do you still learn something new every day on the job?
Absolutely. Even after nearly 50 years, I’m picking up new tricks. Whether it’s finding out about the new truck designs or a different way of fault finding, every day brings something different. It keeps the job interesting and reminds me why I got into this line of work in the first place.
What do you love most about your job?
I love the independence and responsibility. Being the first point of contact for customers and knowing that they rely on you — that’s a big part of it. Over the years, I’ve built some solid relationships with some brilliant people, and that sense of community is something I’m really proud of.
It’s hard to find many jobs where you meet so many different people, and I will certainly miss it when I retire. When you enjoy doing a job for so many years, it becomes hard to imagine doing anything else.
Honouring the Past, Driving the Future
Stefan’s experiences remind us that while modern technology continues to evolve, the core values of reliability, durability and genuine service remain unchanged. The blend of tradition and innovation is what’s defined Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks from the start and will continue to do so for decades to come.
