Forklift manufacturer Hyster and UK distribution partner Barloworld Handling have strengthened their UK market position as the materials handling sector sees growth.

As two leading global brands in the materials handling equipment market, Barloworld Handling and Hyster have a partnership history that spans more than 80 years and continues to strengthen. Today, in the UK, the partnership is flourishing and reports improving order books and the highest quotation levels seen since 2007.

In addition to stronger internal combustion equipment sales, Barloworld reports that orders for Hyster electric and warehousing trucks are growing, boosted by the launch last year of the new Hyster JXN/T range of energy efficient electric counterbalance trucks. Greater market demand and perception of Hyster as a leading supplier of warehouse equipment are also factors in the success.

"Hyster identifies customer needs and engineers tough, reliable equipment that provides the lowest cost of ownership for demanding applications" says Julien Monteiro, area business director for Hyster Europe, explaining that maximum availability, low operating costs and greater efficiency are just some of the benefits of choosing Hyster equipment.
"Hyster is one of very few manufacturers that offer a full range including market leading warehouse equipment, engine powered forklifts and dedicated container handling equipment" he adds.

Being the exclusive UK distribution partner for Hyster, Barloworld is completely focused on supporting the equipment and serving customers locally with more than 500 service technicians nationwide. The company maintains a staggering 25,000 forklifts annually through a sophisticated service network that recently scored very highly in an independent survey that looked into customer experiences and satisfaction across the industry.
Phil Bastow, managing director for Barloworld Handling in the UK explains "Over the last 18 months we have re-organised and strengthened our business to provide higher levels of local service and to support the return of demand following the economic downturn".

Barloworld claims that its intelligent service principles provide the best value for any materials handling operation, blending the most dependable equipment on the market with an innovative and flexible approach.

"Using our experience and latest Hyster 3D warehouse modelling techniques we help companies specify the optimum fleet mix for their business, and can provide advanced fleet management to help maximise truck performance" he says. "This type of fleet intelligence aids decision making, assists continuous improvement and helps fleet managers to significantly reduce costs over time, for example, by reallocating assets and maximising contractual hours".

Barloworld also provides a wide range of supporting services from training, finance and short term hire equipment to total battery management services, specialist equipment including Pyroban ATEX compliant solutions for hazardous areas, sideloaders, cleaning equipment and much more.

"Our combined services provide businesses with a flexible materials handling solution that responds exactly to their needs. We help reduce waste and cost, and improve driver performance, energy management and business output". Phil adds "We are now prepared for significant growth in partnership with Hyster, as businesses take advantage of our intelligent designs and unbeatable service support".

For further information, visit www.hyster.co.uk or www.barloworld.co.uk.