LCF Engineering has embarked on an ambitious new chapter after opening a dedicated base in Kilmarnock for its larger construction machines.
The firm has grown rapidly since its launch in 2017 when founder and MD Fraser Ross left his job as an Audi mechanic to turn his hobby of repairing plant into a full-time business.
Moving into a small unit in the Castlemilk area of Glasgow within six-months of launching, LFC Engineering expanded into compact machinery sales in 2020 with the opening of a base in East Kilbride.
Today, the company employs 10 people and is a dealer for major brands including Caterpillar compact equipment, Dynapac, CNF, Ausa, Husqvarna, and Hatz – whilst also still offering repairs and servicing as well as spare parts.
“When I left my job, I did think ‘what’s going to happen?’ But I made the decision to go for it and give it a year – and if it didn’t work then so be it,” Fraser told Project Plant. “Some of the people we’ve been dealing with from day one started by bringing in repair work. They’ve come back and bought a compaction plate or Stihl saw, and then three or four years later they’re buying an excavator from us. It’s nice to see the growth of our customers as well as ourselves; that’s important.”
Fraser and his team have been name-checked in previous Project Plant interviews, most notably by YES Plant in Falkirk, as being reactive and easy to deal with. Winning apprentice of the year two years running at Audi and Lookers, Fraser built up an early understanding of the importance of good customer service at the luxury car manufacturer – which has seen him put customer feedback at the forefront of decision making at LCF Engineering.
The Kilmarnock base was officially launched earlier this summer with a two-day open event, in which existing and potential customers, and anyone else involved in the plant industry, were invited to check out the facilities and equipment offering in a relaxed and informal setting.
Located centrally in the town’s Academy Street, the facility is handily located next to the A71 and, importantly, is sprawling, meaning it can act as a customer test point for the firm’s larger machines.
“You need bums on seats,” Fraser continued. “You can’t always sell out of brochures. People need to be trying what they’re buying.”
Particular attention was being paid to the portfolio of Ausa and Cat machines during Project Plant’s visit on the morning of day one of the open days. “There was a gentleman who came in earlier knowing what he was looking for – a one-tonne Ausa (dumper),” Fraser added. “He had done his homework on it, but there were just a few clarifications he needed. He sat on it and tried the controls with the joysticks and said it was really, really good.”
The multi-purpose joystick operates as a centralised point for driving and load functioning, with it said to offer enhanced control when driving in tight and difficult terrains, as well as being an alternative to forward and reverse controls being found next to the steering column.
The Kilmarnock site features a dedicated demo zone, where customers can excavate and carry out similar manoeuvres to the ones they would execute in their own line of operation. During the open event, a Cat 265 compact track loader was set up in the area for visitors to have a go on.
Fraser explained the model is a staple on American construction sites. Featuring a Cat C2.8TA engine, it allows for 43% more torque than previous models, as well as boasting a powertrain which enables users to select the machine performance best suited to the task at hand. Also included is a redesigned operator station featuring a heated seat and advanced touchscreen monitor.
A selection of Cat mini-excavators, Ausa dumpers, Dynapac rollers, refurbed rollers, and Autem vacuum lifters were also on show.
Despite experiencing major growth in the new and used plant sales side of the business in recent years, LCF Engineering’s service offering remains an integral part of the company. Fraser spoke of his pride at a recent repair of a customer’s dumper which had issues with the fuel filters.
“I just love it – my arms were covered in grease, but once the machine is back running and the customer is relieved, it’s just brilliant,” Fraser added. “You always get a bit of satisfaction repairing something and getting it going.”
Families were also encouraged to attend the open days, with Fraser hoping that the impressive machines being showcased could help inspire the next generation of industry workers. He has also worked along with East Renfrewshire Council in the past, which sees him visit schools to promote the benefit of apprenticeships.
LCF Engineering has taken on a local youngster as an apprentice at the new Kilmarnock site. The company also works with apprentices from customers, offering them hands-on training on kit including Hatz and Honda engines.
Next on the agenda is the opening of a dedicated operations building in Kilmarnock, with construction work on the project currently ongoing. The firm has also started putting preparations in place for next year’s ScotPlant where the latest innovations will once again take pride of place on the company’s stand.
