Engineering-driven New Tec Inc has nearly doubled employment in its material handling division this year as it exploits demand for reasonably priced forklifts.

In its territory, New Tec takes advantage of wholesale and retail buyer interest in used and reconditioned forklifts often previously in group rental fleets.

New Tec was founded in 2004 in Sioux Center, Iowa, moved nine miles (14km) to Hull in 2005 and soon entered the material handling market.

"We were motivated by a lack of support in our local area and requests that were made by companies looking for forklift support," says Scott Hulstein, a co-owner with John and Evan Byl. "Our investment in refurbishing ranges from engine/ transmission/brake work on a single unit to just simply tyres and paint on a newer unit with low hours."

The material handling division employs 16 including five mechanics to meet refurbishing and service requirements. The division started in 2007 with seven staff.

"We do custom engineering for material handling customers," Hulstein says.

In addition, New Tec stocks inventory of new forklift equipment from Hyundai Heavy Industries Co Ltd and also represents Genie, Big Joe and EP forklift lines and Cascade load engagement devices.

New Tec primarily serves a 60-mile (96km) radius including agricultural, manufacturing and other customers in Spencer and Sioux City in Iowa and Sioux Falls in South Dakota.

New Tec outsources manufacturing of its in-house-engineered Calf Catcher corral device, ATV stock transport trailer, Handee-Tredd powered appliance cart and Shore Stepper walking boat lift.