Pon North America has bought forklift and aerial lift distributorship Forklifts Inc.

Forklifts Inc, headquartered in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania and led by CEO Doug Gibson, is worth USD82 million.

It was established in 1955 in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. According to a Pon spokesperson, Forklifts Inc grew through a reputation for good customer service, acquisitions and additional equipment lines.

Today, Forklifts Inc represents Cat, Linde, Doosan, Clark and Nissan. The company employs 370 people in six facilities and covers the eastern half of Pennsylvania, southern New Jersey and part of Delaware.

With the acquisition, Pon now consists of five US materials handling companies that have access to the parent organisation's capital and resources. The companies each retain autonomy in their regions, but share talent, best practice and equipment resources.

Equipment Depot of Texas, Equipment Depot of Illinois, Levee Lift and Portman Equipment belong to Pon.

The Pon companies collectively employ over 2,000 people and represent over 30 equipment lines covering 12 US states. Combined sales of the companies exceed USD500 million annually.

Pon was founded by Dutch family-owned business Pon Holdings in 1987. The US enterprise was set up to pursue consolidation and growth opportunities in the materials handling and contractors' markets, focusing on sales, rentals and aftermarket services.