Reborn forklift maker Clark Material Handling Company has appointed Operant Material Solutions as its Atlanta distributor.

Operant will stock new, rental and used machines and other Clark products, and establish an aftermarket parts department. Operant chief executive Jeffrey Welsh said the company expected to service 3500 Clark machines this year.

"I am very impressed by the new Clark, its management team and its product line. We are seeing a significant increase in demand among Clark customers, and look forward to enhancing Clark's legacy in Atlanta," he said.

Operant was formed in May when the company acquired the assets of Clarklift of Atlanta Inc and Clarklift Material Handling Inc, of Macon, Georgia. The Macon assets were immediately consolidated into the Atlanta operation.

Mr Welsh said Operant would build a nationwide network, and planned to add 15 locations throughout the USA over the next two years.

"Our acquisition of assets from two locations immediately gave Operant the equipment and parts inventory required to serve our large customer base," he said.

Clark president Brian Butler said the company was pleased to welcome Operant to its business family. Atlanta was "a tremendous opportunity" for both companies.