Dock-leveler and hand-pallet manufacturer Blue Giant Equipment Co will soon celebrate its five-decade milestone.

Product line additions and technology developments have moved Canada-based Blue Giant forward.

In 2011, the company entered into a strategic partnership with the Big Lift LLC partnership to exclusively distribute the Big Joe brand of AC-powered industrial trucks in Canada. Blue Giant says it has seen a measurable increase in quotes in Canada for its industrial truck line since bringing Big Joe on board.

In 2012, Blue Giant launched its wall-mounted StrongArm HVR303 electric vehicle restraint for securing a trailer to the loading dock via an electro-mechanical hook design.

Also this year, Blue Giant introduced its Air Cylinder Series, which combines features of a U-series air cylinder dock leveler and an air cylinder model SVR303A of the StrongArm hydraulic vehicle restraint. Blue Giant says both the HVR303 and the Air Cylinder Series are environmentally sustainable products.

In addition, Blue Giant supplies dock levelers, Blue Genius touch controls, dock lifts, scissor lifts and tables, and dock seals and shelters.

Among Blue Giant licensing agreements are connections in the markets for Spain and France with Alapont Soluciones Logísticas, for Malaysia with MHE-Demag Malaysia Sdn Bhd and for Mexico with the Merik SA de CV unit of Grupo Merik. In most global markets, Blue Giant operates through a network of dealers and it has opened stocking locations throughout North America.

Blue Giant says licensee partnerships in Australia and South Africa during the 1970s resulted in the company dominating the market in both countries.

In the dock equipment market, "Blue Giant's 50-year track record . . . has earned us a worldwide customer base and a solid place at the forefront of the industry," says Jeff Miller, vice president of sales and marketing. "By ensuring that our dock equipment technology continues to evolve, we as a company will always be able to offer loading dock solutions that match all applications and site requirements."

Blue Giant employs 165 staff and is based in a 100,000 sqft. (9,280 sqm) facility in Brampton near Toronto.

To mark its 50th anniversary on 30 May 2013, Blue Giant intends to heavily publicise its business, hold employee events and promotion activities, recognise dealers and licensees and conduct a training conference.