French platform manufacturer Pinguely-Haulotte has partnered with Breganze, Italy-based agricultural manufacturer Faresin to produce a new range of telehandlers.

Faresin Haulotte Spa, to be headquartered in Thiene, Italy, will be 60-40 percent owned by Faresin and Pinguely-Haulotte respectively, and gives the companies a platform to enter the EUR2 billion (USD2.15 billion) telehandler market.

Faresin-Haulotte aims to command 10 percent of the world market in five years, which means taking sales from entrenched players like JCB, Terex, JLG and Manitou.

The ŒTop Lift range, to be launched worldwide early this year, will be powered by an Iveco 79.5 kW four-cylinder turbo diesel. The range will feature lift heights from 7.3 metres to 17 metres, and have varying capacities from three to four tonnes.

The range will be available with options, including side shift, a bucket, transverse hydraulic chassis levelling and closed-circuit video control.

Established in 1970, Faresin manufactures and exports agricultural machinery, components for concrete form work and telescopic handlers.

Pinguely-Haulotte, based in L'Horme, France, produces vertical mast platforms, scissor platforms, and articulated and telescopic jib platforms. The company achieved EUR206.8 million (USD222.1 million) in sales in 2002.