CCE is dedicated to producing the highest quality products for its customers and consumers and expects the same from each of its suppliers. Those similar values and quality expectations were found in Southern California Material Handling (SCMH), a Cat^® lift truck dealer in Los Angeles, California.

"SCMH is not only a vendor, but a business partner," says Dean Magistrale, CCE's area fleet supervisor for western California. With more than 440,000 retail customers companywide, Magistrale's unit is responsible for distributing to a large portion of these customers. CCE relies on SCMH to keep its lift truck fleet performing at its best. "SCMH is an integral part of our business. They provide us with support, training, technical information and (parts) pricing," says Magistrale.

The two companies partnered together approximately four years ago, with significant growth in the relationship happening in 2009. Magistrale attributes the recent success to the introduction of nGauge^®, an online forklift parts ordering system available through Cat lift truck dealers. The system provides timesaving features for finding replacement forklift parts quickly and accurately. CCE was looking for an online forklift parts ordering solution for its mixed fleet of 250 lift trucks - and SCMH was the only forklift dealer that offered such a tool.

In addition to providing access to millions of lift truck parts, nGauge has helped CCE save money, improve productivity and enhance efficiency. By allowing the night shift to place orders during non-business hours, SCMH is able to download and fulfill the night orders immediately the following morning. CCE mechanics are able to start fixing forklift trucks right away - instead of spending time sourcing parts. Streamlining forklift parts ordering through nGauge allows CCE to spend less time on its forklift fleet and more time on its business.

Magistrale is so pleased with the results of nGauge that he is looking at other areas of his business where he can apply similar tools. "nGauge is a wonderful tool for time management and fleet management," says Magistrale.