Combilift will appoint up to six new dealers in the United Kingdom in the next 18 months after seeing sales double there this year.

Combilift, a pioneering manufacturer of multi-directional long loaders, expects to sell between 160 and 180 machines in the United Kingdom this year, and has a sales target of 280 for 2003.

The company has increased its United Kingdom network from three to eight dealers in the past 18 months, and says it has had a "huge" amount of interest from prospective dealers.

"We aren't rushing into agreements because we want to ensure we form close, long-term relationships," said Combilift United Kingdom sales and product manager Tommy Cadden. "We are fast becoming the leading supplier of long load and semi-long load handling equipment in the UK."

The United Kingdom is Combilift's priority market, accounting for up to 30 percent of production at its factory in Clontibret, in the Republic of Ireland. It exports to 34 other markets, with a particular focus on the USA and Europe.

The engine-driven Combilift has a four-way steering system that allows sideways travel with long loads. It is popular with builders and timber merchants, plastic and aluminum extrusion companies, timber frame manufacturers and steel distributors.

Mr Cadden denied Combilift would suffer should other manufacturers produce similar designs.

"Our focus now is to ensure our products remain ahead of the rest of the market," he said.