NTP Forklifts Australia has won a AUD10 million (USD7.4 million) contract to modernise and expand the materials handling capabilities of the Australian Defence Force (ADF).
The contract, the biggest in NTP's 20-year history, involves an initial order for 25 modified Manitou 7140 T rough terrain telescopic handlers, and maintenance and training.
Modifications include increasing ground clearance to allow the machines to work in up to one metre of water, wheel and tyre adjustments for working in soft sand, and flameproofing.
ADF lieutenant colonel Peter Cleasby-Jones said containerisation and the age of the current fleet made the expansion a necessity.
"We are confident NTP and Manitou will deliver according to our sometimes demanding requirements, wherever in Australia or overseas these machines may operate," he said.
NTP sales & operations director Nick Perdelis said the machines would be delivered at a rate of four a month from June.
"We're delighted to see the hard work come to fruition and look forward to working with (the ADF) in fulfilling the contract," he said.