Send this newsletter to an associate   Print version   Dear reader, WELCOME TO FORKLIFTACTION.COM, MATERIALS HANDLING ONLINE. This is issue #217 - 14 July 2005 of the weekly newsletter for industry professionals. The US to conform with international forklift standards. INSIDE FORKLIFTACTION.COM NEWS • Belgian distributor sold to Dutch Mechan Group • New foundation poised to align US with ISO standards • DHI sells RTG cranes to Singapore's port • Second year of profitability for Clark • Forkliftaction.com's caption competition: vote for your winner • Linde ships LNG plant to the Arctic • Manitou adds to its telescopic handler series • Komatsu introduces new forklift series • Briefs • Movers & Shakers ADVERTISEMENTS • Full Container Handler for sale (used) CARGO CHAT: CARGO CHAT #3 SAFETY FIRST: Kent O'Sullivan: Summer Help FORK TALK: Fork Lift Truck Association MEDIA RELEASES 1. Omega Lift proudly announces Northland Industrial Truck Co. Inc. (NITCO) is new dealer Send this newsletter to an associate   The caption competition has now entered its judging phase. So take a few minutes to read the short list and to send in your vote(s). You can still add your used forklift listings for a free trial of the Marketplace. Simply submit the details of your unit with this form. No commitment or obligation. For more information contact the Marketplace team by email on marketing@forkliftaction.com – Phone: +61 7 3369 9090 – Fax: +61 7 3369 9096.   Belgian distributor sold to Dutch Mechan Group LA HULPE, Belgium Atenor Group has sold Belgian-based farming, gardening, building and civil engineering equipment importer and distributor Matermaco, and its subsidiary Matera, to the Dutch Mechan Group, an Atenor Group statement said. Matermaco is the sole Belgian distributor of makes such as Komatsu, Massey-Fergusson, Liebherr, Bell and Kubota. Matermaco and Matera had a combined turnover of more than 50 million euros in 2004. Matermaco supplies Komatsu, AUSA and Fiora forklifts. The Mechan Group, part of the Dutch ZBG Group, distributes equipment, particularly Massey-Fergusson tractors, to similar industry segments in the Netherlands. The sale, which is subject to approval by Belgian competition authorities, will have a positive impact of more than three million euros on Atenor Group's 2005 results, the statement said. New foundation poised to align US with ISO standards WASHINGTON, DC, United States A new entity, the Industrial Truck Standards Developing Foundation (ITSDF), is positioned from September 1 to work towards US conformance with International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) forklift standards. ITSDF, of Washington, was established in December by the Industrial Truck Association (ITA), of Washington. It will begin with the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Standard B 56 for industrial forklifts. ITSDF and New York-based ASME signed a management transfer agreement on May 16, said William Berger, ASME managing director, technical codes and standards. “ASME felt an agreement with ITSDF made sense for all involved, particularly the industrial truck industry,” Berger said. “ITSDF hopes to have all current members of the ASME B 56 committees and subcommittees agree to continue to serve on those committees when they become ITSDF committees” said William Montwieler, ITSDF president and executive director of ITA. ITA has devoted significant resources to the project and hopes most of the work will be done electronically. ITA wants to help the foundation assume the work in an orderly fashion. The international effort is strong. The world community is moving towards acceptance of ISO 3691 relating to safety issues on powered industrial trucks, said Chris Merther, ITA manager of technical programs. “Individual nations may still have to adapt parts of the standard to fit their particular governmental or market needs, but we have succeeded in reducing the number of sticking points on the US side from 20 to three,” Merther said. ADVERTISEMENT Full Container Handler for sale (used) Hyster H48.00-CH 48 tonne basic capacity - 3 container high lift - Integral 20-40 top lift attachment - Air conditioned cabin - 1991 year - 15,020 hours, one owner machine. Location Australia  East Coast.  Priced for quick sale, export enquiries welcome. Please contact Ian Ogilvie E-mail: iogilvie@globequip.biz    Fax: 61 7 3262 5855 Ph: 61 7  3256 0666 DHI sells RTG cranes to Singapore's port SEOUL, Korea, South Doosan Heavy Industries Inc (DHI) will supply 40 quay-side container cranes worth USD42 million to PSA of Singapore after winning a contract against Chinese, Singaporean and German businesses, a company statement said. PSA is a global ports and terminals operator, operating ports in 11 nations, including Singapore. DHI vice president Hong Seong-eun said there was fierce international competition to win orders for the continued expansion of stevedoring facilities at Singapore Port, which handled the largest cargo volume in the world. "This will help us secure an advantageous position in the cargo handling facility market not only in Singapore, but in other south-east Asian countries." The rubber tyred gantry cranes (RTGC) can carry up to 40 tons. Each has 16 wheels, double the number commonly used for RTGCs, providing greater stability. Design, manufacture, delivery and commissioning will be done by DHI. The RTGCs will be delivered to Singapore in October 2006. PSA of Singapore purchased 11 RTGCs from DHI in 1993 and 34 in 1995. Second year of profitability for Clark LEXINGTON, KY, United States Clark Material Handling Company's 2004 results showed a net profit, the second consecutive year of profitability under ownership by the Young An Group. Clark spokesman Scott Johnson said the company would not detail the profit level as the company was privately held. He attributed the good result to a strong north American forklift market, dealer network support, "excellent" parts availability form Clark Aftermarket Parts and "strong senior management leadership". Clark chief executive officer Kevin Reardon said 2005 was also likely to be a profitable year for the 102-year-old company. Clark invented the first materials handling truck in 1917, and had since built more that one million forklifts, a company statement said. Clark distributes electric and internal combustion forklifts, narrow aisle forklifts, electric pallet jacks, stackers and electric tuggers through 550 dealers worldwide. Forkliftaction.com's caption competition: vote for your winner The caption competition has now entered its judging phase. We need you, Forkliftaction.com members, to help us crown the winner of the caption competition. Take a few minutes to read the short list and submit your vote(s).  Read more Linde ships LNG plant to the Arctic WIESBADEN, Germany Forklift manufacturer Linde has overseen construction of a 35,000 tonne natural gas liquefaction plant, which was shipped 2,700 nautical miles from Spain to northern Norway. The barge-mounted plant was transported by one of the world's largest heavy lift vessels, the Blue Marlin, to the Norwegian island of Melkoya, near Hammerfest, according to a Linde statement. The plant will be part of Europe's largest liquefied natural gas (LNG) facility, 1,000km north of the Arctic circle. Linde's gas & engineering business segment is a joint-venture partner in the project. Linde is responsible for engineering, procurement and construction assistance.   The plant will begin operations in late 2006 and have a production capacity of 4.3 million tonnes of LNG a year.   Linde board member Dr Aldo Belloni said on-site assembly of the processing plant would have been very expensive, due to extreme climatic conditions and a lack of infrastructure. The plant's order value for Linde is 700 million euros. Manitou adds to its telescopic handler series WACO, TX, United States Manitou, manufacturer of rough terrain construction and agricultural equipment, has added two telescopic handler models to its MT series. The MT 6642 has a 42-foot lift height with a rated operating lift capacity of 6,600 pounds, while the larger MT 8044 can lift 7,000 pounds to the full lift height of 44 feet. Both have optional work platform systems (WPS), a company statement said. Komatsu introduces new forklift series MILAN, Italy Komatsu Forklift Ltd has introduced a new AX50 and BX50 forklift series to the European market. The forklifts were developed in Japan and manufactured in Europe. The AX50 series is available in four models, two with diesel engines and two with LPG engines, with capacities of 1.5 tons and 1.75 tons. The BX50 series is available in eight models with capacities of two tons, 2.5 tons, three tons and a new 3.5-ton super compact. Buyers have a choice of diesel or LPG engines. Briefs Gottwald delivers crane to Bulgarian port DUSSELDORF, Germany Gottwald Port Technology has delivered its first mobile harbour crane to the Bulgarian Black Sea port of Varna. A company statement said the 100-tonne HMK 300 E crane would operate at the Port of Varna West container terminal, one of three multi-purpose ports operated by the Port of Varna plc. Varna is a fast-growing economic centre for Bulgaria. The cost was unavilable. English distributors join Doosan-Daewoo network POOLE, England Poole-based Champion Materials Handling has become the first new dealer to join the nationwide Doosan-Daewoo dealer network following Doosan's USD1.7 billion purchase of a controlling stake in Korea's Daewoo forklift manufacturing division. Champion distributes forklifts to England's Dorset and south-coast regions. Bristol-based supplier of forklifts, racking and other industrial services, On3, has been awarded exclusive distribution rights for the new Doosan-Daewoo forklift brand in England's south-west region. Hoist opens UK parts depot BRISTOL, England Hoist Companies has established a spare parts warehouse in Bristol to give better support to its United Kingdom and European dealers and customers, a company statement said. Movers & Shakers Hyster Europe appoints new managing director FLEET, United Kingdom Ettore Zoboli has been appointed managing director for Hyster Europe, Middle East and Africa. He joined NMHG Europe, Hyster's parent company, in 1996. His most recent role was director of NMHG's warehouse business unit, based in Italy. Key management changes at Clark North America LEXINGTON, Ky, United States Kevin Reardon has become Clark North America's chief executive officer. He will continue as vice president of Clark's Forklift Group. Dennis Lawrence has  been appointed president and chief operations officer. Jack Scafe has been appointed vice president, sales & marketing. New managing director for Linde Scotland EAST KILBRIDE, Scotland Stan Harris has been appointed managing director of Linde Materials Handling Scotland Ltd, Scotland's largest materials handling company with a 30 per cent market share. Harris had been Finning (UK) Ltd's general manager for Scotland. SMH appoints regional managers OLATHE, KS, United States Systems Material Handling Co has appointed two regional managers of business development. Royce Albright, southeast regional manager, based in Atlanta, GA, has been in the industry for 17 years. Dan Oriente, northeast regional manager, based in Philadelphia, NJ, has more than 14 years' experience. Send this newsletter to an associate CARGO CHAT #3 In this issue we continue the new monthly column, Cargo Chat. It is specially prepared for Forkliftaction.com News by ICHCA International, a representative organisation of international cargo-handling interests. The column is based on ICHCA’s bimonthly e-newsletter and International Safety Panel activities.  Read more   KENT O'SULLIVAN: SUMMER HELP ABBOTSFORD, Canada Many employers use students and other young workers to augment their workforces during holiday periods.   If you are one of the thousands of workplaces hiring students, it is vital to give them the training and protective equipment necessary to ensure their on-the-job safety, before they begin. Click here for the full text of this Safety First feature.     FORK LIFT TRUCK ASSOCIATION FALMOUTH, Cornwall, United Kingdom The National Fork Lift Safety Conference, organised by the Fork Lift Truck Association, had a successful third staging on June 29. Click here for the full story, including pictures   1. Omega Lift proudly announces Northland Industrial Truck Co. Inc. (NITCO) is new dealer Wilmington Northland Industrial Truck Co. Inc. provides the most complete selection of materials handling equipment available from a single distributor in the Northeastern United States. Representing many of the recognized leaders in the materials handling industry, their newest partnership with Omega Lift Manufacturing Inc. enhances their product line to include the full line of Omega Lift rough terrain forklifts and 4 directional trucks for indoor and outdoor use. Click here for the full text of this release, including pictures. IN THE DISCUSSION FORUMS UPCOMING EVENTS TENDERS JOB VACANCIES RESUMES FAST FACTS In the Discussion Forums How does it work? "The new duramatch transmission is an interesting concept. Instead of the brakes doing the braking, a controller (brain) regulates pressure in the clutchpacks." gustaf, United States Thank you LiftDoctor ... "Dear Liftdoctor, your advice was very helpful. Concerning the minimum battery weight: why does a longer TSP (with "C"battery compartment) need a heavier battery than a short one (TSP with "B"compartment)?" jepis, France FORKLIFTACTION.COM Discussion Forums >> Upcoming Events 1. Achieving Profitability in the Service Department Atlanta, Georgia, United States October 17-18, 2005 2. ICUEE 2005 (Demo Expo) Louisville, Kentucky, United States September 23-25, 2003. 3. ICHCA Luncheon - South Australia West lakes SA, Australia 27th April 2005 4. Queensland Safety Show Brisbane, Australia Wednesday 21st June – Friday 23rd June 2006 5. 16th Annual Breakbulk Conference & Exhibition New Orleans, United States 7th to 9th September 2005 FORKLIFTACTION.COM Events >> Tenders 1. Loadall Forklift 10,000lb Adelphi, MD, United States Closing: 18 July 2005 Contract: W911QX-05-R-8000 2. 6,000lb forklift Terminal Island, CA, United States Closing: 26 July 2005 Contract: TRM0003-05 FORKLIFTACTION.COM Tenders >> Jobs 1. Parts Assistant - Full time Kansas City, Missouri, United States 2. Territory Parts & Service Manager - Full time Columbus IN, United States 3. MECHANIC/SHOP/ROAD - Full time MONTREAL, Canada 4. Sales Representative - Industrial Equipment - Full time Sydney, Australia 5. Field Service Technician - Full time Carol Stream, United States FORKLIFTACTION.COM Jobs >> Resumes 1. Heavy-duty Equipment Technician - Contract / temp Ukraine, Ukraine 2. MAINTENANCE ENGINEER - Full time ANY WHERE, United States 3. Computer Operator-cum-Customer Care Exe. - Full time US/UK/Australia/Europe, Canada FORKLIFTACTION.COM Resumes >> Fast Facts 1. Omega Lift proudly announces Northland Industrial Truck Co. Inc. (NITCO) is new dealer FORKLIFTACTION.COM News >>   To tailor your newsletter preferences, click here to access your member account online. Should you no longer wish to receive news from Forkliftaction.com, please click here to cancel your subscription. Forkliftaction.com News is published by Forkliftaction.com PO Box 1439, Milton QLD 4064, Australia – info@forkliftaction.com.