Press Releases

Groundwater Lift Trucks Ltd achieves Investor In People - again!

SMALL firms make up 90% of businesses in most economies but in Scotland the figure is a whopping 98% - a clear indication of the economic importance of the small business sector.

Accounting too for almost half of the total employment in the private sector it is accepted that a vibrant small business sector is crucial to ensuring Scotland's future economic success.

Family firms are also a driving force behind the economic strides Scotland has taken - with seven out of every 10 companies family firms - and this is particularly pertinent to the North-east.

One such firm is Stonehaven-headquartered AD.I. & K. Groundwater which celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2003. Founded in 1973 by Ivan and Kathleen Groundwater, the firm is a family-owned
business, which provides lifting and material handling equipment throughout the North-east.

The company currently holds the prestigious Toyota Industrial Equipment contract for the supply of material handling equipment and it is also a selected dealer for Manitou rough terrain vehicles, Kalmar heavy duty forklift trucks and Combilift the multi-directional forklift.

D.I. & K. Groundwater’s head offices are a purpose-built modern office block, complemented by a modern well-equipped engineering facility and large showroom.

A second depot in Perth was opened in 1993 to satisfy an increasing demand from the industrial centres in the south, and this depot was recently refurbished and extended.

Ivan Groundwater is clear about what has resulted in three decades of success, and also about the company's raison de’tre.

"Our philosophy is to give total customer satisfaction," he said. "With over 30 years experience in materialshandling our aim is simple - to put customers first."

D.I. & K. Groundwater can provide new or used materials handling equipment on lease purchase or outright purchase, with each deal tailored to suit each client's specific requirements.

"Our sales team will advise on the most cost effective solution to your lifting requirements," said Kathleen Groundwater. "Whatever the size of fleet, from single forklift to large users, we have the back-up and know-how to help fulfil your requirements."

Service too is an area where the company feels it scores highly over its competitors.

"Our service department has the skills and facilities required to ensure that our customers' trucks are always working to their full potential,” said Ivan. “ Downtime is kept to a minimum by our fleet of service vehicles , all in direct contact to provide an efficient service when needed most.”

All engineers are dealership trained, and Groundwater uses all its resources and flexibility to ensure that a client's trucks spend the optimum time doing the job they were chosen for.

Indeed, one of the company’s pledges is that a Groundwater engineer is on site within a maximum of four hours of receiving an emergency breakdown.

"Our parts department keeps a large stock of spare parts for our customers' convenience,” said Ivan. “ Occasionally, parts will need to be ordered. This can be done through our direct e-ordering facility to ensure speed of delivery."

Recognising that it may not always be convenient to acquire trucks by outright purchase, Groundwater offers several cost effective contract rental schemes and other finance options.