The Bolzoni-Auramo group has acquired US palletless handling equipment maker Brudi, a subsidiary of TBM Holdings.

The acquisition includes the Brudi trademark, intellectual property, and manufacturing assets for the Brudi "push-pull" range. Brudi palletless handling products will be manufactured by Bolzoni-Auramo in the US and exported worldwide.

"The full range of Brudi push-pulls fits seamlessly into the Bolzoni-Auramo product line, and the acquisition will further strengthen the group's position in the US market," said Bolzoni SpA chief executive Roberto Scotti.

Bolzoni and Auramo merged last August through Bolzoni's 100% purchase of Auramo, for an undisclosed price. Both were independent, financially strong companies, with non-competing product ranges. The merged company has projected annual turnover of USD72 million, and outlets on all continents.

The two companies have operated in the US market for more than 10 years. The combined group has sales and service units in the US and Canada, and a production plant in Chicago, where the Brudi push-pull range will be manufactured.

Bolzoni-Auramo is the leading forklift attachment manufacturer in Europe, manufacturing masts, hand pallet trucks and lifting tables. The group has seven production plants, 13 sales branches and independent dealers on all continents. It has 550 employees.