GMK Logistics partners with Linde Material Handling to support reliable, efficient and data-driven flooring freight operations nationwide.
GMK Logistics has earned its reputation as a provider in specialised warehousing and transport for Australia’s flooring industry. From carpet and vinyl to a range of floor coverings, GMK manages complex, high-volume movements of roll and palletised product every single day.
To keep this freight moving seamlessly, GMK Logistics, and its parent company CTI Logistics, chose Linde Material Handling to power their national fleet. Across Australia, Linde’s equipment supports daily operations across the entire CTI Logistics’ group, providing GMK Logistics with reliable equipment ready for the demands of flooring freight.
Sarah Halpin, CEO of GMK Logistics, knows just how critical this partnership is.
“Linde is a big part of our business,” she says. With more than a hundred forklifts in our fleet, we need a partner we can count on. Linde isn’t just a supplier; they’re a key part of how we deliver for our customers.”
GMK made the switch to Linde in 2018, following CTI Logistics’ successful rollout in 2015. Since then, the partnership has grown in step with GMK’s expanding national footprint, including the development of its flagship facility in Victoria.
A reliable fleet tailored to GMK Logistics’ application
GMK Logistics operates six sites around Australia, including New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, South Australia and Western Australia. Across this network, the business moves thousands of tonnes of flooring every year – much of it heavy, long and awkward roll product that demands precision handling and reliable equipment.
Sarah explains the scale: “Interstate, we ship around two million kilograms of freight every week. Add local and country deliveries, and it’s about 5.3 million kilograms. Because we work with roll product like carpet and vinyl, everything takes longer to load and requires much more precision. The material handling equipment we use is absolutely integral.”
To meet these demands, Linde supplies a fleet of reach trucks, internal combustion forklifts, and order pickers, with selected units configured with specialised prongs for handling carpet and other roll products. Craig Cullen, National Operations Manager QLD, oversaw the transition at key sites including Yatala.
“The reliability of the Linde equipment has been exceptional. The R20 reach trucks deliver outstanding run times on a single charge, which means less downtime and more productivity on the floor,” he says. “The H25 IC trucks are incredibly fuel efficient, which means we’re more productive, spend less time refuelling and keep our operating costs down thanks to Linde’s hydrostatic drive system. Together, that efficiency translates into faster processing, improved accuracy and less product damage thanks to Linde’s precision controls.
“And Linde’s customer service? Exceptional. If we need advice, they’re just a phone call away.”
Sarah agrees that reliability and application-fit have been game-changers.
“The fact that we use prongs for the product we move means the fleet has to handle that requirement,” she says. “Linde’s equipment does that, and more. With pre-start checks, daily monitoring and advanced software, we can stay proactive and keep everything running smoothly.”
Service support is another cornerstone of the partnership.
“Linde provides scheduled servicing and on-site technicians at all of our sites. Preventative maintenance keeps the fleet moving, and if there’s ever an issue, they’re there immediately.”
Brett De Laney, State Manager VIC, sees the same benefits at Epping.
“Our technician comes prepared every time. They know which trucks need attention and bring the right parts. We even keep a small stock holding on site, so trucks are back in service fast.”
For Sarah, the results speak volumes.
“The reliability of the Linde fleet since we brought them on board has been second to none.”
Turning data into better decisions with Linde FleetFOCUS
As GMK Logistics continues to scale nationally, the role of digital fleet intelligence has become increasingly important. Linde supports this growth with FleetFOCUS, its advanced telematics system that gives GMK clear visibility of utilisation, impacts and upcoming service requirements across the fleet. The platform also boosts safety and simplifies maintenance with features like impact monitoring and operator access control. Brett explains how FleetFOCUS drives daily operations.
“FleetFOCUS helps us track impacts and utilisation, which supports both safety and productivity,” he says. “It’s a critical part of how we run our sites.”
Beyond day-to-day monitoring, FleetFOCUS powers GMK’s regular review process. Brett and his team meet with Linde regularly to analyse reporting, identify opportunities and assess how well each truck is being utilised.
“We look at what we’re using, what we’re not, which vehicles are slowing down, and where we need to lift productivity,” Brett says. “It helps us pinpoint where additional training or adjustments can improve efficiency.”
This data-driven approach ensures GMK continuously refines fleet efficiency as the business expands.
Innovation that creates real value
GMK Logistics was recently introduced to the Linde Customer Portal, Linde’s latest digital innovation designed to deliver full fleet transparency. Still in its trial phase, the portal was rolled out to select customers, and Linde Key Account Manager, Jube Shuttleworth, knew GMK would benefit immediately.
The portal provides a secure, centralised hub where GMK can view its fleet in real time, log service calls, track maintenance and access billing summaries.
“GMK has multiple sites, a large fleet and many stakeholders,” Jube explains. “Managing that through emails and phone calls can be challenging. The portal provides them a single platform where they can log in anytime, see the status of their fleet, track servicing and review billing. It saves time and offers complete transparency.”
From day one, GMK saw the value for planning, especially when equipment requires servicing or repair.
“Machines will go down from time to time – that’s a reality,” Jube says. “The portal helps them see what’s happening in real time, move trucks if needed and set expectations for the day. It’s all about improving operational efficiency.”
Anthony Minuto, State Manager NSW, calls the portal a game-changer.
“Before, everything was manual. We had to call over the phone, and pre-start checks were on paper. Now we have a portal on the forklift where we do a 16-point safety check. If there’s an issue, we flag it and get a response from Linde within minutes.”
Comfort operators can feel
When GMK Logistics first moved to Linde, some operators were hesitant. That changed fast.
“Nobody likes change, but within days they noticed the comfort,” Sarah says. “Less vibration, better ergonomics, improved pedal layout and armrests. We haven’t had a single complaint since.”
Brett hears the same at Epping.
“Operators love the comfort. Getting on and off the reach trucks is easier with the foot wells, and the trucks aren’t clunky like others on the market.”
He adds, “When you give people good equipment that looks good, feels good and is well maintained, morale improves, absenteeism goes down and the whole environment lifts. Equipment is a big part of the puzzle.”
A partnership anchored in growth and hands-on support
Behind GMK Logistics’ fleet is a partnership built on communication and adaptability. As GMK has grown, Linde has stayed closely connected, tailoring support and solutions to match the pace.
“We don’t see ourselves as just a supplier,” Jube explains. “We see this as a long-term partnership. We constantly ask, ‘How can we do it better today and how can we prepare for tomorrow?’”
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