Dennis Hernandez (sales manager), Daniel Jaramillo (owner/VP) and Robin Jaramillo (owner/president).

LiuGong North America has added a new dealer in the Miami area. Atlantic Forklift & Parts of Hialeah is known for its service expertise in all types of materials handling and other equipment.

In over 30 years of business, it has never represented a manufacturer, which makes the choice of a LiuGong dealership a major decision.

Owner Robin Jaramillo started the company out of a residential garage, selling parts to and servicing machines for his customers. As the business grew, he went on to purchase used forklifts, re-conditioning and then selling them. As he built up inventory, he took the next step and began renting them out. The business continued to grow, and now Atlantic Forklift & Parts is located in a 20,000 sqft. (1,850 sqm) building next to Miami International Airport. This proximity to the airport makes its export business to South America and the Caribbean more convenient and efficient.

The company has grown from two employees to 12, with an emphasis on service techs. Jaramillo fields four service vans as well as a tow truck. In addition to its forklift business, it fixes lift gates, racking systems, conveyor belt systems, aerial equipment and even highway trucks.

General manager Daniel Jaramillo says the move to a new forklift dealer status is part of a long-term growth strategy. "To continue to grow, we need a manufacturer to represent and commit to. That is our next logical step."

He says the team was taken with the 'kerb appeal' of LiuGong machines. "They have the look of a tough machine, and that look draws potential customers in. They are also easy to maintain.

"We got LiuGong to come show us their product and program, and the decision was really pretty simple after that. It was very easy to work with them. They sent us two lift trucks as a trial, and by the time they were delivered, they were sold already.

"LiuGong is really growing their business in North America, and we plan to be a part of that growth for a long time," he adds.