On show at MHL 2007 for the first time in New Zealand.

Auckland-based Centra Forklifts, the exclusive Mitsubishi forklift distributor in New Zealand, was bought out last week by a private equity investor who plans to expand the company's profile throughout the country.

According to general manager Tony Emtage: "The company has had a very successful year and I believe the new ownership will enable us to take our service and products to even greater levels."

As an exhibitor at this week's MHL 2007 show, the company launched the latest N Series reach trucks as well as the three-wheel counterbalance machines and the new M series powered pallet trucks, for the first time in New Zealand. "These new-generation trucks bring the Mitsubishi brand to the forefront of materials handling equipment," says Emtage.

The company recently secured another contract to supply and maintain new Mitsubishi forklifts as well as manage the onsite servicing of all moveable equipment for the paper and pulp facility of Carter Holt Harvey in Whakatane. Carter Holt Harvey is the largest producer of tissue products and wood composite panel products, and the leader in the production of timber, plywood and engineered wood products in Australasia.

"We are gaining an enviable reputation in quality servicing and general maintenance and have several large maintenance contracts with large corporations utilising our operating workshops at the international airport, Ports of Auckland and central Auckland, all the while supporting the Mitsubishi brand in New Zealand," he tells Forkliftaction.com News.