Toyota Industrial Equipment (Northern) Ltd has expanded to become the largest regional Toyota forklift distributor in the United Kingdom.

The expansion follows the acquisition this year of the northwest and northeast Toyota distribution areas, which were previously non-Toyota owned.

Toyota Northern has expanded from being Toyota Leeds to become one of the United Kingdom's major forces in the forklift market.

In the 11 years since it became part of the Toyota group, Toyota Northern's annual sales have grown from 1100 to 4500 forklifts, representing a 26 percent share of the national market, said sales and marketing director Terry Stephens.

"We now have the north of England covered for the supply of the full range of electric, gas, and diesel-powered forklifts. Customers now have one point of contact for all Toyota industrial equipment sales, hire, and after-sales, for the first time ever," he said.

"We also offer forklift hire to cover breakdowns or provide extra capacity during busy periods."