Svetruck counterbalance forklifts are part of PD Ports' new fleet.

Independent materials handling specialist Rushlift has provided a new fleet of materials handling equipment to PD Ports, including a fleet of 45 T Svetruck counterbalance forklifts fitted with generator powering magnetic plate attachments.

The new fleet was developed in conjunction with a number of suppliers to ensure customers receive not only the right equipment, but original solutions to their materials handling needs.

"Because our focus is different, there are many examples of us bringing our customers real innovation, new or unusual products or simply a refreshing approach to the way we do business," says Rushlift chairman Peter Cosgrove.

"We've championed the use of the latest battery technology at British Airways; redesigned 16 T counterbalance trucks with our forklift suppliers; structured the UK's largest ever supply and fleet management deal of Saint-Gobain and kept Magnet ahead of the game with flexible contract arrangements. We are defined by the service we give our customers, not by the make of equipment we provide," he adds.

The new fleet is also being supplemented with additional generators for the retrofitting of the existing equipment, as previous models relied on generators large enough to cover the entire counterweight, severely limiting rear visibility. The new and smaller generators slot neatly into the equipment's side stairwell.

Rushlift has extensive experience with the heavy truck user market, having acquired Newport-based Sleabond in 2007. The business, together with the national importership for the heavy counterbalance range of Svetrucks, was integrated into the main Rushlift operation earlier this year. PD Ports has one of the UK's largest fleets of Svetrucks.