A Rico explosion-proof sitdown forklift

Specialty forklift manufacturer BPR/Rico Manufacturing Inc is logging success with its lines of explosion-proof (EX) and metal die-handling forklifts, says Brian Willingham, major accounts manager.

Rico works with about 1,700 dealers in the US, Canada, Mexico, Brazil and China, often assisting in the design and engineering and then manufacturing of forklifts with customised requirements.

"We provide solutions when standard lift trucks do not meet the need," Willingham says. "We work with any dealer."

Rico has gained momentum in the EX market, especially for paint, coating and health-related applications, Willingham says. The Rico EX line includes sitdown, counterbalance and pallet models for use in hazardous environments subject to US Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulations.

Rico is working to keep the EX models ergonomically correct, up to date in design and, where feasible, standardised for more than a single unique application. "We can lift up to 240 in. (6.1 m) and have capacity to 12,000 lb. (5,443 kg)," he says.

Die-handling equipment, mostly for metal stamping plants, can offer "huge efficiency changes, reducing a change to perhaps 15 minutes rather than 70 minutes", Willingham reports. "One person from the operator position on a big platform truck can push or pull a die out of a press."

Rico has invested in machine shop capabilities to bring more aspects of its manufacturing operations in-house. The current goal is 98%, with Rico now continuing to purchase electronic and hydraulic components from outside suppliers.

For warehouse purposes, Rico obtained a fourth building in Medina.

Rico purchased the manufacturing assets of MJD Equipment in 1988 and CWF Equipment Inc in 2003.

Rico employs nearly 100 staff and is nearing the launch of a revamped website.

Willingham says that Rico sales for 2013 are "on pace for 10% growth versus 2012, which was a good year" after the 2008/9 downturn.