The "X" range will now be made in the UK.

British forklift manufacturer Nexen is moving production of its "X" forklift range and its entire R&D program from Taiwan to the UK.

UK managing director Tim Mason says Nexen has an "extensive program" of new models in the pipeline but the company had been frustrated by the progress of getting the models to production at its Taiwanese plant.

"In order to overcome these delays and in response to several major component suppliers reluctant to release specialised development items to Taiwan - for fear that they may be copied in China - we have taken the very big decision to move all of our R&D activities to our European headquarters in the UK," Mason explains.

Nexen believes the move will enable it to expand its forklift range at a significantly faster rate and also meet increased demand following its successful entry into the North American market.

Nexen director Pam Oakes says: "This is a very exciting development and, personally, I cannot wait to see the label on the "X" range trucks saying 'Made in the UK'.

"UK manufacturing is still seen as being synonymous with quality, and increasing labour costs in Asia coupled with the difficulties of recruiting a skilled workforce have been instrumental in our decision," Oakes adds.