Forklift distributor Allied Equipment Service Corp now represents Clark Material Handling Co equipment in the broadly defined Indianapolis market.

Allied's area of principal responsibility (APR) for the Clark brand effective from 21 January includes 40 of Indiana's 80 counties.

"The appointment of Allied Equipment completes our restructure and distribution upgrade in the central Indiana APR," says Scott Johnson, director of dealer services with Lexington, Kentucky-based Clark.

As with other dealers, Allied experienced a business drop during 2009. "Our sales were less than '08 and down 33%" last year, says Rick Mize, co-owner, corporate secretary and sales manager. The slower pace "enabled us to revisit expenditures and double our efforts on the sales side. Parts and service remained strong for us and always have been a positive for our business."

Mize sees brighter days ahead. "We're anticipating a very slow recovery in the forklift truck market, but with our access to a more diversified line of material handling equipment, we are optimistic about having a better year in 2010."

Allied President Paul Raber, the other co-owner, works with the firm's parts, service and accounting functions.

In covering the Indianapolis market for the Clark line, Allied succeeds Cardinal Carryor Inc, which was assigned the territory in September 2008 (Forkliftaction.com News #377) from its home base in Louisville, Kentucky.

Allied was formed in 1981, occupies 45,000 square feet (4,050 sqm) and employs 24 people including nine mechanics on the forklift side and two technicians for the battery business.

In addition to Clark, the firm represents TCM in 40 Indiana counties and Komatsu, Flexi and Chrisman for most of the state. Allied also sells Big Joe equipment.