Kentinental Engineering Group explains why Demtruk trolleys are a reliable asset to easily transport some of the coffee industry’s heaviest machinery.
When David Parkin invented the first Demtruk trolley model in 1982, his mission was to provide an easier way for salespeople to transport and ‘dem-onstrate’ large photocopiers from the dealership direct to the offices of the customers. At the time, he had no idea the Demtruk trolley would become a vital piece of equipment for the international coffee industry like it has.
London-based Kentinental Engineering Group (KE) owns and operates the Demtruk brand and recognises just how difficult installing new coffee equipment can be.
Rather than having a busy barista run down the street and help a technician carry a new espresso machine to a shop counter, Demtruk provides a safe and alternative way to transport equipment with just one person at the helm.
Brothers Nick and Paul Jenkinson understand the importance of a strong support system. Nick, now KE’s Managing Director, has been a part of KE Group for more than 20 years, and has witnessed the growth in popularity of the Demtruk brand over that time.
“Many people have called it the best tool they own,” Nick says. “They couldn’t imagine life without it.”
In the decades since Parkin’s invention, the Demtruk model has gone through a few adjustments to enhance the user experience, but has always retained the DNA of the model, to provide a practical and safe way to transport heavy equipment. Adjustments include more platform top sizes, pneumatic wheels, and the latest version, Demtruk 2.0, which can carry up to 220 kilograms in weight.
Each Demtruk 2.0 trolley, from the Lite Kit to the Heavy Duty Kit, includes a collapsible base unit. The trolley can be folded down to ensure it does not take up too much room when being transported independently.
“Almost a quarter of a tonne can be carried on a small device that collapses back into a compact size for your vehicle,” says Nick. “It’s very simple to use, and there are no tools needed to build it or fold it back down.”
At the heart of every Demtruk design is the platform top, which can roll directly off the collapsible base in a smooth yet controlled manner thanks to built-in mechanisms which ensure heavy machines remain in safe hands.
Every precaution and new feature is considered when thinking about the weight of the equipment Demtruk trolleys carry. As such, one of the newer features of the Demtruk 2.0 is the inclusion of pneumatic wheels on the rear of the trolley. Unlike standard trolley wheels, Nick says pneumatic wheels are resistant to changes in terrain, creating a smoother experience with less bumping or shaking.
“Each trolley has a load strap attached that will ensure the machine stays in place when being transported,” Nick says.
The 2.0 also features an additional lower shelf on the base, which gives users more opportunity to store smaller items on the trolley when transporting larger, heavier machines.
“The lower shelf can now carry things like bags or even a technician’s toolbox,” Nick says.
The Demtruk is accompanied by other additional features, which are offered as part of the standard package. These include a platform top extension piece, stair climb handles, and door glide protectors to name a few.
Demtruk trolleys come with a three-year warranty while also offering stock replacement parts, such as brake levers, wheels and handles to keep each trolley in prime condition.
Nick says Demtruk’s popularity in the coffee world has grown substantially in the last decade due to coffee roasters and mechanics and technicians learning about its use and suitability to manoeuvre large coffee machinery.
“On the latest version, we designed the platform top to include an extension piece which makes room for some of the larger espresso machines,” says Nick.
Demtruk Sales Manager Paul Jenkinson, adds that the trolley’s practicality is what catches the attention of most first-time users, especially in the world of coffee.
“It can move large and heavy machines around with just one single person using it,” he says.
Nick says the goal for the Demtruk brand now, is to raise awareness for the importance of a reliable trolley to ensure baristas and technicians can safely transport heavy equipment from the supplier to its point of use.
“When people see our trolley in action, they will buy it 90 per cent of the time because they see just how safe and efficient it is to use,” he says.
This feedback is heightened by Demtruk’s presence on social media, which Paul says has been a strong platform to advocate its benefits.
“Our Instagram page is full of people sharing how much they appreciate our product,” Paul says.
“Our customers love the Demtruk trolley. They often say that it’s the best tool that they have.”
The popularity of the trolleys has led to a focus on global expansion. Demtruk has seen significant growth in the US aided by two warehouses in key states.
“We have the ease of selling directly in the US by having our warehouses in Los Angeles and Kentucky,” says Paul.
He says the Demtruk is trusted by the coffee industry and, alongside selling directly, the brand has dedicated coffee distributors across the world who are passionate about explaining to clients the benefits of owning a Demtruk trolley.
“Everyone is enthusiastic about sharing their stories of using our trolleys. It’s great to see how much they love it,” says Paul.
The Demtruk trolley has also caught the eye of a wide range of services including American Spacecraft Manufacturer SpaceX, and the Los Alamos National Laboratory due to its ability to transport large yet delicate test equipment.
Demtruk also sell directly across the European Union (EU), and has coffee distribution specialists located in the United Arab Emirates, Eastern Asia, and Australia. As part of increasing brand awareness, Demtruk has revamped its UK website, with the US and EU websites to soon follow.
Paul says Demtruk is always looking to expand even further.
“We’re hoping to get our brilliant product in front of people all around the world.”
For more information, visit uk.demtruk.com
This article was first published in the January/February 2024 edition of Global Coffee Report. Read more HERE.
