Doosan Infracore UK (DIUK) has acquired a majority stake in one of its top-performing dealers, Genesis Forklift Trucks Ltd

Founded in 2001, Huntingdon-based Genesis is one of the leaders in the DIUK dealer network, fiercely competing for the top dealer status over the past five years.

DIUK general manager Tim Waples will take over as chairman of Genesis to assist in the next stage of its business development. The company's founding members will stay on as directors.

Waples says DIUK had been looking to strengthen its ties in the UK for some time. "This is the most significant investment in the UK since the business was established. We are continuing to grow Doosan's presence and see this as the perfect platform to bring us closer to our customers and make us even more competitive in the UK market."

He explains that DIUK has been "particularly impressed" with Genesis's achievements for the company over the years and believes the investment will be a win-win for both parties. "As well as help improve IT systems and buying power, we believe both companies will benefit from Doosan's influence and management skills."

Genesis sales director Paul Brierley says with the new partnership, the dealer can enjoy financial security and being a part of a large organisation. It will also be able to offer modern hire equipment.

"We're delighted with the move. It not only secures our company's future with stability and financial backing, but we are now able to add the latest Doosan equipment to our hire fleet to help satisfy our customers' ever-increasing demand for short-term hire," he says.

Brierley believes Doosan's investments will allow them to tackle larger fleet and regional customers with direct support from DIUK. "Our skill sets are a perfect complement to Doosan's. The tie-up enables our companies to push onto the next level, as well as work collaboratively to provide our customers with the reassurance and confidence of belonging to a larger group."

Over 90 Doosan models are available in the UK from 1.5 to 16.0 tonne internal combustion forklifts and 1.3 to 5.0 tonne electric forklifts, and the new warehouse range of pallet trucks, stackers, order pickers and reach trucks.