Manitex Liftking LLC has appointed Wisconsin Lift Truck Corp as an authorised dealer for the Wisconsin and northern Illinois markets.

Representatives from Wisconsin Lift Truck of Brookfield, Wisconsin and Manitex Liftking of Woodbridge began discussions in April, and the authorisation became effective on 8 June, says Brian McKenzie, commercial sales and marketing manager for Manitex Liftking.

In addition to its latest authorisation, Wisconsin Lift Truck represents dozens of brands of forklift, aerial lift, industrial mobile robotic and loader equipment and has six distribution and full-service locations throughout the state of Wisconsin. Operations include Wolter Material Handling, Wolter Power Systems, Contractor Equipment Services and Witco Systems Inc. Wisconsin Lift Truck was founded in 1962 and has 49 years' experience in the materials handling industry.

Manitex Liftking manufactures rough-terrain forklifts, special mission-oriented vehicles, specialised carriers, heavy materials handling transporters and steel mill equipment.

Liftking was established in 1968, has more than 150 employees in Woodbridge and works through in excess of 170 sales and service dealer locations globally. Within the US, Manitex Liftking continues to explore for the appointment of additional dealers, McKenzie says.

Publicly traded Manitex International Inc of Bridgeview, Illinois, United States acquired Liftking Industries ULC on 30 November 2006 and operates the business as a wholly owned subsidiary.