Materials handling equipment supplier Eurolift NZ has been awarded a five-year, "multi-million dollar" contract from dairy giant Fonterra Cooperative Group to supply and service the group's New Zealand forklifts.

Eurolift is now the exclusive supplier of core forklift fleets at 34 of Fonterra's manufacturing and warehousing sites in New Zealand.

Eurolift, a subsidiary of Hellaby Holdings, supplies forklifts from German manufacturer Linde Materials Handling.

"Fonterra has a significant forklift fleet in New Zealand and the effective operation of this fleet plays an integral part in our supply chain," says Scott Brownlee, Fonterra's general manager procurement.

"The decision to go with Eurolift as our preferred vendor for the core range of forklifts to our warehousing and manufacturing operations was based on a total-cost-of-ownership analysis.

"Eurolift's Linde product offered the best overall package, including reduced running costs, a reputation for reliability and driver comfort and safety. In addition, their strong focus on meeting the highest environmental standards will serve Fonterra now and into the future."

Newly appointed general manager of Eurolift Bruce Dabb says securing the Fonterra contract is a significant achievement for Eurolift and demonstrates its strong reputation for excellent products and servicing capability.