Hyster-Yale Group has announced a dealer territory change for its forklift brands in the southern United States. The agreement appoints Black Equipment as the single authorised dealer for both the Hyster and Yale brands in the Memphis, Tennessee market following Black's acquisition of Briggs Equipment operations in that territory.

"Memphis, Jackson and Jonesboro are very significant to Hyster and Yale, and this expansion by Black Equipment further strengthens our dedicated dealer network," says Chuck Pascarelli, president, Americas Division, Hyster-Yale Group. "With a proven performance record that includes 22 consecutive years of recognition as a Dealer of Excellence, we are confident in the service and expertise that Black Equipment will provide to their new customers in these markets."

"Black Equipment is a dedicated partner and industry leader in the markets we serve, and our growth is a reflection of that," says Scott Bonnell, president, Black Equipment. "By investing in people and technology, we deliver trusted service, materials handling solutions and 24-hour support that helps our customers thrive. In fact, 80 of our trained technicians are already dedicated to this region, and we look forward to welcoming our new customers with a seamless transition."

As part of this transaction, Black Equipment will also take over the Briggs Equipment territory in Jackson, Tennessee and Jonesboro, Arkansas.

Black Equipment was founded in 1956 by MJ and Gladys Black. From the beginning, Black Equipment has been a family-owned company and remains that way today. From the humble beginnings of a single location in Evansville, IN, Black Equipment has grown to 12 locations covering parts of seven states. 

Besides Hyster and Yale, Black Equipment also supplies machines from Combilift, Sellick, Genie, JCB and JLG as well as Cascade attachments.