Ranger's headquarters in Baytown, Texas

Ranger Lift Trucks has acquired rival Universal Forklift Supply.

Ranger, headquartered in Baytown, Texas, is a leading provider of quality pre-owned forklifts, parts, rentals, and field services for companies using materials handling equipment.

"The addition of Universal Forklift Supply solidifies our strategic plan to compete in the parts, service and rental segments of our industry," says Ranger president Todd Ford.

"Universal Forklift Supply will add the missing pieces for Ranger to become a full-service used equipment dealer."

Ford says his dealership's continued focus on safety and customer service should create a seamless transition for Universal customers. "Ranger Lift Trucks will hire all of Universal's operations, parts and sales personnel. The parts and service centres have been consolidated into one facility and are fully operational. The UFS facility has been closed and relocated to the Ranger Lift location in Baytown."

Ronnie Ruffeno, managing partner of Ranger Lift Trucks, says the acquisition will ensure customers "receive the best of both worlds: Universal's strength in parts, service and rental coupled with Ranger's ability to produce quality pre-owned forklift equipment".

Furthermore, through complementary sales networks, the dealership is looking at enhanced expansion opportunities and Ford tells Forkliftaction News there may be further acquisitions.

Ranger was founded in 2004 and has an additional facility in New Braunfels, Texas.

Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.