About 150 persons at Clark's May 15 international cocktail reception gather outside the Lexington headquarters.

Clark Material Handling Co put the emphasis on celebration - and the future - in marking the 90th anniversary of it introducing the world's first materials handling truck in 1917.

President and CEO Dennis Lawrence said: "This was a significant celebration for Clark and its dealers worldwide. As we celebrate 90 years of materials handling, we are pleased that Clark is once again a major player in this industry. We have 'built to last' trucks, Totalift parts, financial packages for our dealers and a dealer network commitment to the brand. This company is proud of its heritage and enthusiastic about its future."

Clark brought together more than 300 domestic and international dealers, government officials and other guests for a week-long series of events in Kentucky. The activities included a global executive meeting at the North American headquarters, in Lexington, tours of the firm's 184,000 square foot (16,560 square metre) parts facility in Louisville and a gala dinner in an elegantly appointed room overlooking the straight away at the historic Keeneland Race Course, in Lexington.

A spokesperson for Clark said 280 guests from 31 countries attended the dinner. The guest list included dealers, Clark officials, company retirees and several suppliers.

Clark launched five products. The C60/80 and GEX models are manufactured in Clark's Changwon, South Korea, facility; the EWP30 and AC technology conversions of class 3 HWX/PWX models at Clark's Oingdao, China, site; and the electric stand-up counterbalanced (ESX) rider in Lexington.

Young An Hat Company Ltd, of Buchsan, South Korea, acquired Clark's assets and assumed debt obligations in January 2003 through a bankruptcy court auction.

Dennis Lawrence, president and CEO, addressed the May 17 Clark national sales meeting in the Lexington headquarters.

With the company's renewed drive and celebration momentum, Clark continued to work on growth initiatives, including a focused effort on continuous improvement in the current product line, the spokesperson said.

Clark plans to expand its Totalift All Makes Parts Program, improve and enhance its distribution model and renew an emphasis on major account and national account activity.

Clark received anniversary-related proclamations and communications from the cities of Louisville and Lexington, former governors of Kentucky, suppliers and dealers. Clark's advertising and marketing efforts supported the anniversary events.