One of Weston's reel handlers

UK-based design and manufacturing company Weston Handling Consultancy has expanded into the US market with a range of trucks specifically designed to meet the demanding needs of the USD128 billion printing and packaging industry.

With the US representing 32% of the global packaging industry, the move for Weston Handling was strategic at the same time as following the organic growth and increasing popularity of the Weston range of materials handling trucks.

Over the last quarter, Weston has seen a 75% increase in enquiries from the US and a 25% increase in orders of materials handling trucks. This follows the success of key products developed for key distributors in the United States, with demand being so high that the end-user paid for the airfreight of two specialist Reel Trucks to ensure delivery in time to fulfil a large order.

Weston says its trucks have been specifically designed to support the heavier and wide lifting loads required by the US market. The range includes a bespoke, fully powered drive, lift and tilt reel handling truck to handle 4,000 lb. (1,800 kg) reels up to 40 in. (1 m) diameter and 68 in. (1.7 m) long.

Weston also offers an optional anti-crush kick plate, a tough metal skirt around the sides and back which floats on springs, to support health and safety requirements.

"The global printing and packaging industry is only going to continue to grow and the need for improved solutions will grow with it," says Steve Weston, managing director of Weston Handling. "Weston Handling Consultancy (has met) this growth and will continue to do so with the innovation and passion that we have for developing materials handling solutions."

Founded in 2013, Weston Handling Consultancy concentrates on the safe handling of reels or rolls of materials with a unique range of specialist materials handling equipment.