Sales, service and technical support for Hubtex core specialist handling solutions will stay with the dedicated team in Milton Keynes.

Bendi and Hubtex have joined forces in the UK in a strategic move designed to boost sales for both companies.

The new UK team consists of 12 salespeople and 50-plus service technicians who are supported by 10 service staff. The partnership agreement between Bendi and Hubtex is expected to offer end-users a viable alternative in the specialist handling equipment market.

"The rationale behind the decision is that we've been asked by the market to offer a credible, responsive alternative into what has become a one-horse race at the moment and our customers have told us they want a choice," says Bendi managing director Simon Brown.

He adds: "We see this as an exciting partnership for both companies to broaden the range of equipment available to the customer base here in the UK ... Also timing this with a market-topping specification launch of the DQ 45 E [loader] will put a lot of wind in the sails of the partnership."

Hubtex expects the collaboration to benefit the long-load specialist with greater market penetration and the support of brand recognition in key markets. "Combined with a new range of highly innovative products, which were launched at CeMAT, this new partnership will provide Hubtex with opportunities to get closer to customers and showcase their class-leading design, product quality and support."

Sales, service and technical support for Hubtex core specialist handling solutions will stay with the dedicated team in Milton Keynes.

After introducing the 2.7 T and 3 T models in 2013, Hubtex launched the 4.5 T model at CeMAT 2014 in Hannover, Germany. Unlike other competitor models, Hubtex claims the the DQ 45 E has real multi-directional steering providing diagonal drive; and the truck is claimed to be about 25% more energy efficient than its competitors.