Xtreme Manufacturing LLC plans to operate the Snorkel telehandler business as a separate entity under the same equity control.

On 16 October, Xtreme acquired 51% ownership of Tanfield Group plcs powered access division in the first phase of a staged transition. Xtreme agreed to provide Snorkel with up to USD50 million for working capital purposes.

"This is a strong brand, with an excellent product range and superb global distribution capabilities, making it a great fit with Xtreme," says Don F Ahern, major owner of Las Vegas-based Xtreme. "With the right strategic investment, Snorkel will regain its rightful position as a major player in the aerial lift market."

Other North American manufacturers of aerial lift platforms include Oshkosh Corp with its JLG brand, Terex Corp with its Genie line and Linamar Incs SkyJack products.

Lee F Kramer, president of Xtreme, tells Forkliftaction.com News: "There are no current plans about consolidating the manufacturing facilities (of Xtreme and Snorkel). Going forward, Snorkel will be treated as a separate entity."

Snorkel in Kansas employs about 150 and occupies more than 300,000 sqft. (27,690 sqm), primarily for manufacturing and fabrication purposes. A Snorkel parts and service facility is located in Fresno, California.

Xtreme has two manufacturing locations in Nevada that employ 140 staff and occupy a total of 160,000 sqft. (14,864 sqm), according to Kramer.

Already holding the Aerial Access platforms business, Tanfield of Washington, England acquired the power access division of UpRight International Manufacturing Ltd of Dublin, Ireland in June 2006 and Snorkel Holdings LLC with subsidiaries such as Snorkel International Inc of Elwood, Kansas; Snorkel Elevating Work Platforms Pty Ltd of Wetherill Park, Australia; and Snorkel Elevating Work Platforms Ltd of Levin, New Zealand in July 2007.

Tanfield consolidated all of those operations and identities under the Snorkel brand, now under Xtremes control. Tanfield shareholders approved the transition plan in a 7 October vote.

Tanfield says that Ahern, as trustee of the DFA Separate Property Trust, owns 96.6% of Xtreme and 97% of Ahern Rentals Inc, which has 75 branches in 23 US states. Ahern is the rental companys chief executive officer and Xtremes managing member.

"We have a large number of Snorkel products in our own rental fleet at Ahern Rentals as do many other independent rental companies," Ahern says. "It is my desire to provide world-class aftermarket support and restore Snorkel's leadership in product development. Snorkel is an esteemed brand which has, throughout its long history, often been the standard of the industry."

Ahern Rentals, through its branches, plans to offer direct sales of Snorkel machines along with parts, service and repair for the product line.

Jon Pither, Tanfield chairman, says: "Don Ahern has a proven track record in the lifting equipment industry. I have every confidence that, with the help and support of the Snorkel management team, he will deliver a bright future for Snorkel."