Korean forklift maker Daewoo's UK arm has won a GBP1 million (USD1.8 million), five-year contract with building services supplier Deborah Services Ltd.

A former Toyota account, Deborah Services will receive 50 new Daewoo forklifts at its locations across the UK.

DSL transport manager Steve Haigh praised Daewoo's work in the build-up to the deal. "We value good suppliers, that can really help us at ground level. The Daewoo trucks are well put together, are not pretentious or fancy, and that suits the way we work. We now have trucks that have increased capacity, better reach, that the drivers like and use less fuel."

Daewoo UK general manager Kun H Lee said the contract would further the company's profile in the UK.

"This is a real first for us. We supply major organisations across the world, but this is the first time we have been able to structure a deal across the whole of the UK," he said.

Over 80 Daewoo models are available in the UK from 1.3 to 3.0 tonnes, electric models and 1.5 to 15.0 tonnes for IC models.