Production space and output capacity at the Tipton facility has increased by nearly 50%.

Flexi Narrow Aisle has undertaken a major expansion of its UK production facility to keep pace with growing demand for its articulated forklifts.

Managing director Peter Wooldridge says the company has invested a "sizable sum" in its plant. In addition to the factory extension, Flexi Narrow Aisle has upgraded its spare parts store and invested in its finished goods dispatch area and its offices, in particular its IT facilities.

"We believe the investment is a clear statement of intent and underscores our confidence in the future development of our Flexi range of articulated forklift trucks," he says.

Production space and output capacity at the site in Tipton has increased by nearly 50%. The 2.5 ac. (1 ha) site now has over 50,000sqft. (4,645 sqm) of factory space.

"Our commitment to Tipton means we can continue to offer local skilled jobs to existing staff. The Black Country is a great place to do business," Wooldridge says. "The local availability of skilled engineering personnel has allowed us to employ a significant number of new staff, including five apprentices, during the last 12 months."

In 2012, the company announced that orders for the Flexi range of articulated forklifts had reached record levels, with sales up 40% from the previous year. The positive trend has been sustained in the first quarter of 2013.

Flexi Narrow Aisle has been producing Flexi trucks at its site in Tipton since the early 1990s.

The trucks can now lift loads weighing up to 2.5 T and lift to heights over 14 m (46 ft.). Over the last five years, Flexi Narrow Aisle claims the Flexi G4 range has become the most popular articulated truck in Europe, with sales also increasing in India, South Africa, the Middle East and the Americas.