Michael Elliott and Thomas Edwards have acquired the assets of a mid-Atlantic forklift dealership from long-time materials handling industry stalwart Ray Robinson. Terms were not disclosed.

They have relabeled the operation CSI Material Handling Inc. The headquarters remain in Bethlehem with ongoing representation for the Toyota, Clark, Doosan, Komatsu, Barrett and Sellick forklift brands.

Robinson ran the business as CSI Enterprises Inc. The initials stem from the earlier identity Clarklift Services Inc.

"We wish Ray Robinson all the best and thank him for his contributions to Clark," says Scott Johnson, vice president of business development for Clark Material Handling Co in Lexington, Kentucky. Robinson was a Clark dealer for 46 years and has served as the Clark dealer council president.

"We look at this transaction as a great opportunity to continue the CSI legacy," Elliott notes. In reaching a deal, Robinson "made the process simple".

Elliott and Edwards also own forklift dealership SwiftLift Inc in Victor, New York, representing Toyota and Sellick for eight counties in the greater Rochester market.

Elliott and Edwards are the majority and minority shareholders, respectively, in each of their corporations.

"When (Elliott and Edwards) looked to grow their current footprint, they wanted to do so with a brand and people that would ensure their continued success," Johnson says. "With this acquisition, our companies join forces in what has been a historically strong market for Clark."

Effective 1 August, the business partners took charge of four locations occupying about 65,000 sqft (5,850 sqm) with 80 employees, including 50 technicians.

Clark appointed the new CSI entity as an authorised distributor in three Pennsylvania markets - Bethlehem, Pittston and Reading - as well as New Castle in Delaware. The Clark territory, much covering non-contiguous areas, includes nine counties in Pennsylvania, nine in Maryland, three in Delaware and one in New Jersey.

Going forward, Elliott intends to spend most of his working time at CSI Material Handling.