Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks has set up a new company, Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks UK, to support and manage its UK dealer network.

This move is expected to foster a closer, more effective working relationship between Mitsubishi's European headquarters in Almere, The Netherlands, and the established network of authorised dealers in the UK.

According to a Mitsubishi spokesman, there are 24 dealerships in the UK and the number is expected to be maintained.

"The address of the office is yet to be announced but it will be conveniently located in the M4 corridor in the south of England," he said.

Mitsubishi's European president S Kodai said the "more direct route to the market will help our dealers in the UK to compete more efficiently.

"We are continuing to work with the same authorised dealers who have served Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks and UK customers so well," he said.

"By streamlining the way we deal with them we will bring improvements in speed and economy to the dealerships and even better service to their customers."

Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks UK will establish its own independent sales and support centre and have its own staff. It will be responsible for providing technical back up, new equipment and approved parts.