The first frames for Airtrax Inc's ATX-Sidewinder omni-directional forklift are scheduled for completion in early May.

The company said a pilot run of ATX3000 forklifts should roll off the assembly line in mid-2003.

Airtrax plans to implement rapidly scalable production capacity, initially sized for nominal monthly production but capable of ramping up for anticipated demand before year's end.

Crane and Machinery Inc, which manages production of Schaeff forklifts, will provide components, such as frames and overhead guards, and assemble the ATX-Series at its facility in Bridgeview, Illinois, on Airtrax's behalf.

Airtrax chief executive Peter Amico said the Crane and Machinery alliance was a big step in the commercial deployment of Airtrax's omni-directional forklift technology.

He said the Airtrax ATX line would be sold in the USA through a network of exclusive dealers. He did not comment on plans for other world markets.