Tim Waples

One year after its acquisition of Rushlift, Doosan Industrial Vehicle UK has announced the appointment of its own direct national account team with responsibility to target and build relationships with new businesses on a direct basis.

Doosan took over the independent UK forklift supplier and service business in February 2015, ensuring Doosan of a fully integrated offer covering both high-quality product and first-class service, according to the company.
The acquisition of Rushlift was a significant milestone for Doosan and it is a testament to the company's emphasis on its people that the integration process has run so smoothly. This development was in line with Doosan's strategy to grow its operations both organically and through the acquisition.

Doosan points out the purchase has opened the door to larger national fleet accounts, which exceeded the reach of both companies individually.

It explains that a high proportion of fleet users want to deal directly with the manufacturer, not only to ensure the best possible price and deal, but also to ensure they have a closer channel of communication as well as the best possible working relationship with the OEM.

Many businesses also want to deal with just one company for both sales and service. Previously, Rushlift wasn't a manufacturer and Doosan didn't have a direct national service operation under its own control.

Doosan says the deal has also provided security and career progression opportunities for Rushlift's staff, who have now become part of the globally recognised and respected Doosan brand family which has more than 40,000 employees worldwide with operations in 38 countries.

"Doosan and Rushlift will continue to grow from strength to strength, having now become a real and credible alternative in the marketplace. Customers can really benefit from partnering with a people-focused business ... with the highest quality of products and services," says Doosan UK CEO Tim Waples.

Doosan Industrial Vehicle is part of the Doosan Group, a South Korean conglomerate with products and services ranging from power generation to engines, military equipment and construction equipment.