FB Chain claims its gauge is unique because it shows chain wear in 0.25% increments.

FB Chain Ltd has supplied Jungheinrich's Italian division, Jungheinrich Italiana srl, with its biggest single order.

The Letchworth-based FB Chain will deliver over 400 gauges that forklift engineers use to measure a forklift's chain for signs of wear. The value of the order is confidential.

FB Chain claims that its gauge is set apart from other makes on the market because it shows chain wear in 0.25% increments. Chain elongation is the most common cause of chain failure and the ability to monitor it accurately allows an engineer to assess if a chain is likely to need replacing before the next review of the truck is due.

Jungheinrich Italiana's Marco Venerdi says: "We place a great deal of importance on safety and the chain wear gauges will help our field-based service engineers ensure that our clients' trucks are in perfect operating condition."

The chain wear gauge is made from strong plastic and is supplied with a protective case. It is sold in over 40 countries.

Separately, FB Chain is offering a range of corrosion-resistant leaf chains that it claims will remain rust-free for at least six years. Branded "SuperShield", it is suitable for forklifts and other materials handling products operating in harsh outdoor environments or where regular washing down of the equipment is involved.

During tests that simulate a highly corrosive atmosphere, the chain remained rust-free for over 600 hours, the equivalent to six years of operating time in normal conditions. According to FB Chain, the tests showed standard untreated chain rusted after 12 hours while zinc-plated chain developed signs of corrosion after 70 hours.