 Modern's Bristol Branch |
The Modern Group, a leading US distributor of materials handling, construction and power generation products, has ended a long relationship with Hyster and realigned its materials handling business with five new manufacturers "to better serve its customers".
Effective immediately, Modern will distribute product from Hyundai Construction Equipment Americas, Clark Material Handling, Big Joe, Terex Port Solutions and Konecranes Lift Trucks.
"In choosing these five manufacturers, we believe our product offering better reflects the needs of our customers," says Paul Farrell, Modern Group president and CEO.
"We have spent the last 18 months researching the future of materials handling and we believe we have chosen like-minded materials handling manufacturers whose product and innovations are world class. Hyundai, Clark, Big Joe, Terex and Konecranes Lift Trucks not only provide innovative engineering solutions now, but, more importantly, for the future. The choice of these manufacturers positions us to expand our distribution area from Boston to DC in the near future. Our new affiliations will benefit our customers and the materials handling industry as a whole.
"Most importantly, Modern will continue to provide exceptional service and quality parts to all current customers. Our repair and parts resources have been enhanced and our growing tech workforce is experienced with all brands. Our current customers are well provided for and we will continue to provide best-in-class service," Farrell adds.
Clark vice president Scott Johnson is pleased to be adding "a dynamic regional power to our distribution line-up".
"The staff at Modern are proven materials handling experts that know the Philadelphia and York markets intimately. Clark couldn't have a stronger partner than Modern to represent the Clark brand in these important markets.
"Clark and Modern will immediately begin to implement sales, marketing, and product strategies to ensure we both are successful and that end-users get the full benefit of the blending of these two strong companies," he adds.
The Modern Group Ltd. traces its beginnings to 1946 when the Modern Handling Equipment Company was formed. The company grew steadily, acquiring dealerships and offering equipment rentals.
A holding company, Modern Group Ltd., was established in 1979 for all the dealerships and rental companies that this initial venture spawned. Several new product lines were added, including warehouse products, standby power generators, rough-terrain forklifts, telehandlers, backhoe loaders, skid steers, excavators, track loaders, wheel loaders and carry deck cranes.
In 1984, Modern employees purchased shares in the business after it was converted into an ESOP Trust.
Farrell is flagging new staff appointments in the wake of the realignment. "We are always looking for talented professionals to help our customers and grow our business. This includes technicians, sales, branch, and corporate staff. We are actively recruiting such people to help us as we make the transition (and) expand our distribution territory," he says.
The group's footprint spans Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey and Delaware.