APEX Linvar turns to Doosan Forklift for its material handling needs.

Racking and shelving manufacturer APEX Linvar has turned to Doosan Forklift to ensure its UK manufacturing site operates at peak levels.

For APEX, the six new 2 T capacity, Doosan LPG counterbalance trucks meet its modern handling operation needs. The company's 40,000 sqm (431,000 sqft.) Milton Keynes facility houses rolling mills, automatic welding systems and presses, painting lines, stores and distribution.

"The new Doosan trucks not only represent how we've advanced, but also our growing confidence and how we are well-placed for the future," says Simon Smith, manufacturing engineering manager. "From a practical perspective, the equipment is very important to the business; we need to ensure our reliability and productivity rates are top-notch."

APEX selected the trucks for their "efficient, clean-burn engines, comfortable cabs and excellent visibility masts".

"The GC20P is one of our most popular gas-powered models," says Doosan UK general sales manager, Paul Watson.

Customisations to the trucks include ultra-sonic gas sensors that monitor how much gas is left in the bottle, and keyless ignition systems for added fleet management, safety and security.

"APEX had to be patient," Watson says. "Any business that is going through a change in structure or ownership will usually be growing and keen to get the equipment in place, but they had to consider the forthcoming changes. After two years of careful considerations, we were finally able to provide the new trucks to a delighted team."

Formerly named LINPAC Storage Systems, APEX was in the middle of a restructuring deal, which made financing difficult to arrange, according to a Doosan Forklift spokesman. Local Doosan dealer Midland Fork Lifts helped structure the contract, to enable APEX to move forward as the buy-out was being finalised. The LINPAC Group sold the business to Chamonix Private Equity LLP in 2011.

With 110 employees and an annual turnover exceeding GBP23 million (USD36 million), APEX's customers include Amazon, Sainsbury's, P&O Ferries, Dunlop-Goodyear, River Island and Argos.

Doosan Forklift has a UK network of 20 regional dealers and two national partners, Rushlift and Windsor Materials Handling.