Sydney, Australia - MLA Holdings Pty Ltd (the exclusive importer and distributor of Mitsubishi forklift trucks and importer of the new MLA Vulcan range of heavy forklifts and container handling equipment) announced today the winning of a Pacific National contract amounting to millions of dollars of container handling equipment supply.

After many months of negotiations MLA has won their third consecutive five-year contract to supply Container Handling Trucks to Australia's leading freight rail operator.

Ken Rathgen, Managing Director of MLA Holdings -who affirmed that the contract is worth nearly $30 million - has confirmed that the company hopes to save Pacific National as much as $3 million during the next five years with the supply and rental of 20 MLA Vulcan C4531 Reach Stackers.

The significant cost reduction to Pacific National is made possible by MLA's superiority in servicing and maintenance, coupled with manufacturing ingenuity throughout the production chain.
Mr Rathgen highlighted the company's outstanding service and maintenance record since the beginning of its affiliation with the company (at that time known as 'National Rail'), having won its first contract with the freight rail 'giant' in 1997.

"We grew our business with Pacific National based on a 99.7 per cent availability of equipment to the customer - and this again helped us to win the contract in 2001, and again in 2006.
That's three consecutive five-year contracts of supply."

MLA Vulcan C4531 Reach Stacker

Mr Rathgen highlighted the highly innovative design of the MLA Vulcan Series - a unique steer axle and the use of Weldox 700 steel - which enables the machines to have a much superior weight distribution, instilling confidence that tyre wear will be significantly reduced.

"Tyres are the single biggest cost involved in operating these machines.
We can cut costs in this area by up to 30 per cent on what we've previously experienced on older equipment. This will be passed on to the customer through a reduced rental rate."

The combination of a fully electronic-managed Cummins QSM11 engine and a Dana TE27 transmission, with on-demand hydraulics using variable displacement piston hydraulic pumps (as opposed to the more commonly used gear drive pump), together with a significantly lighter truck (thanks to the use of Weldox 700 steel) has proved to give a greatly improved fuel usage.

"We are estimating a saving of around 25 per cent as a result, which is significant in view of the current escalating fuel costs. "
Over the next five years, Mr Rathgen estimates that this could result in fuel savings as high as $2 million to Pacific National."

He foresees further cost reduction through increased service intervals and greater overall efficiency.

Over and above financial savings, the extra productivity and other value-added benefits of MLA Vulcan Reach stacker machines will result in...

• Faster lift and travel cycles
  
• The highest levels of stability and safety
  
• Greater lift heights
  
• Improved Driver comfort
  
• Faster servicing and repair turnaround
  
• Increased reliability and durability
  

Mr Rathgen commented that this has been the largest contract won in the company's history of supplying Pacific National with forklift trucks, but provides testimony to the strength of MLA and its highly experienced team of professionals.

"We have over 26 years of experience behind us, but the innovation to see the future of the forklift industry.
After the past 12 months of 'hard yards', I think it's safe to say the future is here."

MLA formally introduced "Vulcan" Series in January 2006, after severing ties with Fantuzzi Reggiane. MLA has built a reputation over the last decade as a quality service provider to some of Australia's largest companies and sees the introduction of the Vulcan range as a continuing enhancement of the product and services to be offered to heavy truck users.

MLA Vulcan C4531 Reach Stackers are currently in operation around Australia. Other Vulcan models, including C400 Laden Container Handling Truck, C90 Empty Container Handler, and the H160 General Cargo Handler, will shortly be released to the Australian market.

For further information about MLA Holdings Pty Ltd please visit www.mlaholdings.com.au.

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