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 |  Forkliftaction.com helps you plan your advertising by providing a calendar of editorial features appearing in Forkliftaction.com News in the coming months.
Features planned are:
April: The forklift market in China
May: Reach stackers
June: Forklift tyres, wheels and castors
For the full editorial calendar, click here.
Editorial features are an excellent way for your company to share the spotlight of these features. Feature advertising rates start at USD330! Contact marketing@forkliftaction.com for more information.
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Fast charging – what is it?  In the 1990s, California, USA, established a series of mandates to reduce air pollution from transport sources. That prompted US companies to invest millions of dollars in developing battery-powered cars and buses. Edison Minit-Charger and Posicharge are among the players that developed a new type of battery charging. The technology, fast charging, is now used in forklifts, not cars. Christine Liew reports. Read more |
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Thirteen buyers keen on Linde’s forklift
LONDON, United KingdomPrivate equity groups have approached Linde to talk about its forklift business, the Financial Times has reported.
According to the report, 13 private equity bidders have done provisional work on the possible value of the division and sought meetings with management.
An unnamed source close to Linde told the Financial Times investment groups like Kohlberg Kravis Roberts, Apax Partners, Blackstone and Cinven had expressed interest. The report said Linde had not appointed an investment bank to handle the sale but had begun establishing a “data room” on the division with the help of accountants.
Linde spokesperson Uwe Wolfinger would not comment on the report. Linde has been quiet on a possible sale of its forklift division but said it was considering “strategic options” ( Forkliftaction.com News #250).
Linde’s materials handling division employed 12,024 workers and made an operating profit of EUR223 million (USD277.6 million) at the end of 2005. | *Exclusive* Hyundai identifies key competitors
GEEL, BelgiumMarketing its machines based on the KIS (keep it simple) principle, Hyundai Heavy Industries Europe (HHIE) is making rapid progress in Europe after only five years in the region. In 2005, forklift sales for HHIE totalled 1,000 units, up 25 per cent from 2004.
Michel de Weert, marketing manager of HHIE spoke to Forkliftaction.com News reporter Christine Liew in an exclusive interview about the company’s relatively unknown brand, its rapid growth and the new Folex forklifts, after returning from Manutention 2006.
Was it HHIE’s first time at Manutention and what did HHIE accomplish at the show?
“No, it was the second time we participated but the first time with our new program (the -7 range). Last time we were at Manutention was in 2001. This year’s show brought us a lot of contacts from potential dealers and customers. Therefore we can say that HHIE is continuing its successful market approach towards the European forklift business.”
Describe the growth trend for HHIE forklift sales for the past five years.
“Brand recognition is increasing steadily as our marketing efforts pay off. The growth Hyundai Motor Company is undergoing creates a spin-off effect on our products and brand name. Along with a good basic product, these two effects have resulted in a qualified growth, rising above expectations.”
What does HHIE think of this growth trend?
“We hope our growth will keep thriving like this for the next five years. In the mean time, we will prepare ourselves for any threats the future might bring.”
What sort of threats does HHIE anticipate the future to bring?
“Seeing what is going on with Linde, the forklift business will look very different after a takeover has occurred. Resulting from this deal, we might have to face a competitor, even stronger than Linde has been.
Nevertheless HHIE will keep on going to prove that we’re up to the challenge and that we can be part of world class suppliers.”
Who are your main competitors in Europe and how do they rank alongside Hyundai?
“Brands like Linde, Toyota, Still and Jungheinrich are at the top of our game. Our ambition is to conquer a place in between those brands. In the mean time we feel like we’re playing at the same level with Doosan, Hyster and Mitsubishi, which is amazing as we have only been present in Europe for five years.”
How important is the European market to HHIE?
“The European forklift market is an indicator for the rest of the world’s forklift business. The European customer is most demanding because the market itself is the oldest one. That is why not only Hyundai but most of the competition focuses on Europe when it comes to new developments and adapted programs.”
Click here to read the full interview |
| Logitrans makes history-making buy
RIBE, DenmarkDanish forklift manufacturer Logitrans has signed the biggest sales outlet investment deal in the company’s 66-year history.
Logitrans has bought Interthor Inc, its American dealer in Illinois since 1988, from Interthor’s parent company, Southworth Inc, which manufactures and sells materials handling equipment.
The price was not disclosed but Logitrans said it was an “obvious buyer” as Interthor had been its dealer since 1988.
A Logitrans spokesperson said:“Logitrans products have all the years been Interthor’s primary products. Southworth Inc will still be an important importer in the USA together with the activities of Interthor.
“In the last two years, Logitrans has experienced growth of 15 per cent and Logitrans sells around 20,000 units a year. The primary growth markets have been Norway, Germany, Denmark, Finland and the USA.
“Part of the growth is because Logitrans has entered strategic relations with European competitors, for whom Logitrans manufactures products. This has led to positive growth,” she said.
The acquisition is expected to strengthen the company’s position in the USA. US Postal is one of Logitrans’ US customers. It uses Logiflex stackers for handling letters and parcels.
Established in 1940, Logitrans is an international company manufacturing and selling materials handling equipment. It has 140 employees and consists of the parent company in Denmark and eight sales subsidiaries in the UK, Belgium, France, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden, Germany and the USA. Around 85 per cent of product is exported to more than 40 countries. Its largest markets, the USA, Denmark, Germany and France, account for more than 50 per cent of sales.
Logitrans launched a new drum lifter in January that can be fitted on Logitrans stackers with standard forks (the Logiflex). | | Hyster | H300A | 1989 | United States | USD 19900 | Details | | Hyster | E3.00XL | 1989 | Belgium | EUR 7500 | Details | | Hyster | H1.75XM | 1994 | New Zealand | NZD 11500 | Details | | Komatsu | FG15T-14 | 1988 | Belgium | EUR 4000 | Details | | Kalmar | DC10-600 | 1986 | France | EUR 21000 | Details | | Toyota | 5FB30 | 1995 | Belgium | EUR 11000 | Details | | Raymond | 1250PC30TT | 1996 | Australia | AUD 3000 | Details | | Toyota | 406FG25 | - | Australia | AUD 16000 | Details | | Linde | H35D | 1999 | Mexico | USD 12000 | Details | | Still | FM 14 | 1996 | Germany | EUR 2600 | Details | | Yale | OSO30BA | 1989 | United States | USD 2500 | Details | | Linde | H 25 D-02 | 1995 | Germany | EUR 7900 | Details | | Yale | GLC50TG | 1999 | United States | USD 7823 | Details | | Still | R 20-15 | 2000 | Germany | EUR 5000 | Details |
and thousands more... Click here to include your used forklifts, stackers, telehandlers, container handlers, attachments etc. | Kalmar buys US crane company
STOCKHOLM, SwedenKalmar is expanding its US crane service and maintenance business with the acquisition of East Coast Cranes & Electrical Contracting Inc (ECC).
In a statement, Kalmar said it had signed an agreement to buy the specialist crane construction services and port maintenance company.
The acquisition was expected to boost Kalmar’s service growth in the US and create a stronger platform for it to develop its port crane business, Kalmar said.
“It is a step forward for Kalmar to strengthen its presence and capacity to service other types of port equipment in the country.”
ECC has more than 100 employees working mainly on the US east coast and in gulf ports. The company currently has projects in ports on the US west coast, the Caribbean and in Latin America. Its 2005 net sales were USD25 million.
The deal, to be finalised in April, will see ECC president and founder James Anastasio maintain his post together with his management team and employees. ECC will be an independent subsidiary of Kalmar.
Both parties agreed not to disclose details of the transaction. | Nacco forecasts strong demand
CLEVELAND, OH, United StatesNacco Material Handling Group (NMHG) Wholesale foresees “substantially higher” forklift orders and shipments during 2006 and early 2007, reflecting strength in global markets, the company said.
The outlook anticipates strong market demand in North and South America and the Asia-Pacific region and moderate increases in Europe.
NMHG Wholesale forklift shipments increased 7.6 per cent last year to 83,361 units from 77,493 in 2004.
Revenues jumped 19 per cent, in part because of a shift in mix to higher-priced forklifts in North and South America and Europe, more unit sales in North and South America and the Asia-Pacific region, price increases and greater parts volume. NMHG Wholesale reported an operating profit of USD26 million on 2005 sales of USD2.2 billion. In 2004, operating profit was USD17.9 million from revenues of USD1.9 billion.
Newly designed models were entering the market, NMHG said. During a phase-in period, NMHG Wholesale plans to limit shipment rates for its new internal combustion engine forklifts, which can handle 8,000 pounds-14,000 pounds (3,600kg-6,300kg).
Past investments in NMHG Wholesale product developments, expense reductions now underway and manufacturing improvements show promise of yielding improved results beginning in 2006’s first half.
NMHG Retail, which operates wholly owned dealerships, reported an operating loss of USD7.9 million on 2005 sales of USD185.8 million, compared with an operating loss of USD7.2 million on 2004 sales of USD195.2 million. Two European retail dealerships were sold last year accounting, in part, for the lower sales.
Unfavorable margins on new units and higher operating expenses in the Asia-Pacific region were responsible for the unit’s increased loss. Efforts continued to achieve at least break-even results for NMHG Retail in future years, the company said.
NMHG parent holding company Nacco Industries Inc, of Cleveland, reported profit of USD62.5 million on 2005 sales of USD3.16 billion. In 2004, profit was USD47.9 million on sales of USD2.78 billion. | Movers & Shakers WESTPORT, CT, United States
Terex Corp has appointed Hyeryun Lee Park as president of Terex Asia. Before joining Terex, Park was president and owner of Midas Alliance Group, a consulting company with consultants based in Seoul, Korea, and Chicago and Washington DC, USA.
JÄRVENPÄÄ, Finland
Rocla Oyj has appointed acting managing director Jussi Muikku as managing director. He was previously general manager of warehouse trucks operations.
ROCESTER, United Kingdom
JCB has appointed Matthew Taylor to replace Francoise Rausch as managing director of sales. Taylor was managing director of Land Rover for the last five years. Rausch is now executive director of JCB sales.
ALMERE, Netherlands
Cascade Europe has appointed Herre Y Hoekstra as vice president and managing director. Hoekstra was the managing director of artificial turf group for Royal Ten Cate.
SHROPSHIRE, United Kingdom
Electrofit Zapi has appointed Steve Pusey as business development manager for the UK. Pusey has a sales & marketing background and was previously setting up new channels for UK distribution group Premier Farnell. |
| Forklift operator wins Powerball
BISMARCK, ND, United StatesA forklift driver won his state’s largest lottery prize last week but says he will keep driving forklifts.
Kevin Green, 28, was driving a forklift at work when he heard a North Dakota Powerball outlet had sold a USD1 million winning ticket, The Associated Press reported.
Hearing that the winning ticket was sold at the Williston convenience store where he usually bought his tickets, Green checked his 25 tickets and found one contained the winning numbers.
Green received USD694,600 after taxes.
He said he would keep driving forklifts and use the money save for his retirement and pay off two pick-up trucks.
Green’s prize was the biggest awarded since the North Dakota lottery started selling Powerball tickets on March 25, 2004. | TVH irons out workers’ frowns
WAREGEM, BelgiumThe TVH Group has found a novel way of helping its 951 employees balance the stress of work and household chores.
From April 4, TVH employees can bring their clean laundry to work and take advantage of the professional ironing services of Makkie cvba for a good rate.
Makkie will pick up TVH employees’ laundry to iron at its Kortrijk-based workshop on Tuesdays and Fridays and return the clothes two working days later. |
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| | PosiCharge is Faster, Smarter, Safer Charging Discover what many of the world's leading companies have known for years: PosiCharge is the global leader in fast charge design, innovation, and application. PosiCharge makes battery changing – and battery rooms – obsolete by fast charging vehicles in decentralized areas during scheduled breaks.
VEHICLES AND PEOPLE ARE MORE PRODUCTIVE.
With PosiCharge, vehicles never stop working in order to change batteries. Equipment and people can operate non-stop at maximum efficiency... Click here for the full text of this release, including pictures. | | |
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 Your Focus | |
| In the Discussion Forums | Is this forklift a joke? " Can you really lift 3,000 lbs without tipping forward? Granted, there are some very heavy farmers out there, but are they counting on a 400lb farmer to act as a counterweight?
Someone please enlighten me." InventoryOps, United StatesDo you have spinner knobs on your steering wheels? " The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) publication B56.1-2004 (and previous ANSI versions), Safety Standard for Low Lift and High Lift Trucks, addresses modifications to trucks and the use of spinner knobs.
" joseph_h, United StatesFork heel thickness 2 " What you need to be asking is what load centre you are working at. If you are working at 500mm then a 125 x 45 section fork in "industry normal" material has more than enough capacity to match your lift truck capacity." neil_a, AustraliaWhy go to NA2006? " I am going to pick up some info, new ideas, theories and see old friends. Oh yeah and pick up some chicks. LOL. Kidding!
" trainer, United States |
| Jobs | 1. Forklift Technician - Full timeTampa, United States 2. Forklift Technician - Full timeJacksonville, FL, United States 3. Forklift Technician - Full timeOrlando, FL, United States 4. Territory Manager - Full timeTampa, FL, United States 5. Technician - Full timeGreenville, NC, United States 6. Technician - Full timeRoanoke, VA, United States 7. Technician - Full timeAshland, VA, United States 8. Aftermarket Sales Representative - Full timeHarrisonburg, VA, United States 9. Parts Counter Person - Full timeTampa, Fl, United States 10. Aftermarket Sales Representative - Full timeFlorence, SC, United States 11. Aftermarket Sales Representative - Full timeAshland, VA, United States 12. Aftermarket Sales Representative - Full timeGreensboro, NC, United States 13. Forklift Field Service Technician - Full timeSummerville, SC, United States 14. Sales/Marketing Manager - Full timeMid-West, United States |
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Editorial Calendar |
January
Explosion proof forklifts
February
Forklifts in the logging and timber industry
March
Industrial batteries and chargers
April
The forklift market in China
May
Reach stackers
June
Forklift tyres, wheels and castors
July
The German forklift industry
August
Container attachments
September
Truck mounted forklifts
October
Engines and drive trains
November
The forklift market in Canada
December
End of year review
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