Fork Force Australia founder and executive director Steve Cunliffe has announced his retirement after 40 years in the materials handling sector.

Cunliffe worked with TNT Komatsu, Sumitomo and TVH Australasia before founding Fork Force (formerly Fork Source) in 1999 with business partner Adrian Martin, specialising in forklift sales, rentals and servicing.

From its humble beginnings in Brisbane, to the opening of branches in Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth, Newcastle and Toowoomba, Cunliffe has been at the helm of the company overseeing its growth.

"I am incredibly proud of what we've achieved at Fork Force,” Cunliffe says. “It's been a privilege to work alongside an exceptional team and to serve our loyal customers, whose support has been integral to our journey.”

During Cunliffe’s tenure, Fork Force released its signature Enforcer forklifts, entered into a strategic partnership with Nishio Rent All Co in 2017 and, in 2018, was named as the HRIA’s "Rentals Company of the Year”.

Cunliffe’s son Chris, who has served as managing director of Fork Force Australia since 2020, will now take over the reins of the company.

Fork Force says the transition from Cunliffe to his son “follows years of careful planning” with the company now well-positioned to continue its growth journey.