For three decades, TAG Forklift Trucks and Lloyds Metals Limited have shared a partnership built on trust, reliability, and mutual growth. As TAG’s very first customer, Lloyds Metals has played a key role in shaping our journey. This case study reflects on how a consistent commitment to service and quality has sustained a relationship that continues to thrive 30 years on.
Lloyds Metals Limited, founded by Brian Jervis, is a proud family-run business specialising in scrap metal recycling and waste management. Based in Bolton, they operate one of the largest and most efficient scrap yards in the Northwest. Brian took on his first scrap yard back in 1969 which was originally based in Salford, Lloyds metals then rapidly expanded through acquisition of other local metal processors.
With expertise in scrap metal purchasing and processing, vehicle scrapping, and both domestic and commercial services, Lloyds Metals handles a wide variety of materials including steel, aluminium, and copper. Their operations are powered by a fleet of six Hyundai forklifts supplied by TAG Forklift Trucks, each equipped with Bolzoni attachments, enabling them to handle high-volume processing with speed and precision.
Founded in 1994 TAG Forklift Trucks originally started with a man and a van. Joe Green TAG’s founder started on his own as a mobile forklift engineer carrying out forklift repairs and maintenance at customers sites, his first customer being Lloyds Metals. The relationship between Joe and Brian started in Salford where Joe did repairs and maintenance on Brian’s forklifts, Joe then looked after the forklifts at other scrap sites owned by Lloyds Metals.
Due to the workload given from Lloyds Metals alone, Joe needed to upgrade from the van and get his own unit, which Brian provided as he owned some units in Salford. This meant that Joe could expand TAG and recruit more engineers. Steady growth over the years has brought us to where we are today: a specialised facility offering comprehensive forklift services, including hire, sales, maintenance, and operator training. In addition to forklifts, we also provide access platform equipment to meet the growing demands of clients requiring safe and efficient working-at-height solutions. Our range includes scissor lifts, boom lifts, and other powered access machinery, available for both short- and long-term hire, ensuring we cater to a wide variety of industries and site requirements.
Although Brian brings over 55 years of experience in the scrap metal industry, he sold his original company to EMR in 1999 and moved abroad to pursue other business ventures. In 2010, he returned to the scrap trading sector, and it was during this time that Lloyds Metals needed forklifts again and decided to purchase them from TAG Forklift Trucks. “I had always trusted Joe with our forklift maintenance, everything he touches is great. That’s why, when we re-entered the scrap metal trade, we had full confidence in TAG to supply our forklifts,” Brian explained.
At the time, Lloyds Metals continued with Linde machines, the brand they had always relied on which served them well until they transitioned to Hyundai forklifts around 2021. Due to the environment Lloyds Metal works in they needed reliable, robust machines, and the Hyundai 9VB model is perfect for the job. “We moved onto the Hyundai forklifts based on Joe’s advice, we did not really need convincing as we trusted Joe. We do find the Hyundais are more suitable, and we prefer them” told Brian. Given the tough and demanding environment at Lloyds Metals, finding a forklift that could handle the daily wear and tear while remaining efficient and user friendly, as essential. The Hyundai 45D-9VB model proved to be the ideal solution. With a 4.5 tonne lifting capacity, it could easily handle the heavy loads typical in a scrap yard, from dense metal bins to bulky materials. Its rugged build and undercarriage protection made it perfectly suited to operate on uneven ground, while offering the reliability and durability Lloyds Metals needed to keep operations running smoothly. Just as importantly, the 9VB model aligned with Lloyds Metals’ commitment to sustainability. Its lower emissions and efficient performance helped reduce environmental impact without compromising on power.
To further enhance the performance of their Hyundai 45D-9VB forklifts, TAG recommended fitting them all with high-spec KG-H Bolzoni attachments, specifically designed for demanding environments. These attachments offer motor protection, Hardox wear plates, and a strong double T-profile frame for reduced weight and improved stability. Welded forks provide extra strength, while the 360-degree continuous rotation allows for easy handling of stillages, bins, and skips. Widely used across waste and recycling sectors, they also offer excellent visibility, helping operators work safely and efficiently in tough conditions.
The 30-year relationship between TAG Forklift Trucks and Lloyds Metals Limited is more than just a business arrangement — it’s a story of trust, shared values, and mutual support. From humble beginnings with a single van and a commitment to quality service, TAG has grown into a specialist provider, and Lloyds Metals has remained a valued partner every step of the way. This enduring partnership has weathered changes in ownership, industry demands, and evolving technology — all underpinned by open communication and a shared focus on reliability and results. By listening closely to Lloyds Metals’ operational needs and providing tailored equipment solutions like the Hyundai 45D-9VB with Bolzoni attachments, TAG has helped enable safer, more efficient, and more sustainable operations.
As both companies continue to grow and evolve, one thing remains constant: TAG’s commitment to supporting Lloyds Metals with the same dedication and personalised service that started this journey three decades ago. We’re proud of what we’ve built together — and excited about what the future holds.
“Everything Joe does is spick and span — it’s all presented properly, and you get the impression you’re dealing with a proper company, even down to the work vans and delivery wagon. He’s always been reliable and professional, and everything he touches is great. If we ever need advice on something more serious, especially with truck repairs or maintenance, we know we can go to Joe. Even though we do our own repairs when we can, it’s reassuring to know TAG is there when we need support. I’ve recommended TAG to other companies and will continue to do so. What started as a professional relationship has grown into a real friendship over the years.”
— Brian Jervis, Founder, Lloyds Metals Limited