IMPACT HANDLING PARTNERS WITH MAFI AND CARER TO GROW HEAVY-DUTY TRUCK DIVISION
24 June 2014
Impact Handling has increased its offering of heavy-duty materials handling and distribution equipment after being appointed as the sole UK distributor for two new major manufacturers – German-based MAFI and Italian-based Carer.
The company chose to develop its range of heavy equipment as demand for the specialist trucks continues to grow year-on-year from customers in the ports, paper and third party logistics industries.
The new agreement will see Impact Handling and its UK-wide network of strategic dealer partners supplying customers with the full range of MAFI trucks – including distribution tractors and RoRo tractors– and Carer’s electric forklifts ranging from 6-45 tonnes.
Terry Kendrew, Managing Director of Impact Handling, a division of Eqstra Holdings, says: “As port and heavy applications continue to become more active in the UK, demand from customers for equipment to help them keep up with this growth is essential. By adding the MAFI range to our portfolio we’re able to offer customers high performing and reliable tractors for transportation which complement our already extensive range of materials handling solutions and provide greater choice for operators.
“The introduction of the Carer range is another really exciting development for us, as these forklifts bridge the gap in the market for a heavy duty truck with zero emissions. The new machines are built to incredibly high specifications and we are looking forward to seeing them perform well for our customers in a range of demanding environments. We see the trend for the use of large electric machines, predominately seen in mainland Europe coming to the UK in the not too distant future.”
Harald Lutz, Sales Manager at MAFI, adds: “MAFI is a global manufacturer producing heavy duty tractors for operation in ports and industry. With more than 50 years’ experience in the sector, it is only natural that we would choose to work with one of the UK’s leading materials handling companies.”
Antonella Ghini, Sales Manager at Carer, says: “Working together with Impact Handling enables us to expand the Carer range into the UK market for the first time. We are looking forward to building on the strong reputation Impact Handling has within the marketplace to help us introduce our products to a much wider audience.”
MAFI’s product range includes diesel tractors with hydraulically elevating fifth wheels for in-plant transportation in ports, industry, and distribution. The tractors are available for a fifth wheel lifting capacity from 25 to 45 tonnes; plus its flagship heavy-duty model is designed for steel mills and special port operations, such as the transportation of SECU intermodal containers, as popular at Immingham and Tilbury docks in the UK.
Unlike traditional electric trucks the Carer models offer a compact design which allows them to compete with IC powered trucks in this sector. Traditional electric machines can require frequent battery changes, but the high performance Carer machines are all fitted with large batteries giving them an excellent charge life and power from 96-120 volts. With low maintenance costs and a long running life, the machines make up one of the most competitive electric ranges on the market.
Impact Handling believes the new line-ups will be popular with its customer base and has a number of demonstrator models available, which will allow customers to see first-hand the benefits of the new products.
Impact Handling’s 150-plus service engineers are already experienced at working on heavy-duty lift trucks, and the company holds multiple service contracts with UK-based ports. It has supported its new venture with specific MAFI and Carer training, and a comprehensive review of its parts stockholding.
The new products will be on display on Impact Handling’s stand PCD38, at the Port Centric Show in London, June 24-26.
For more information about Impact Handling visit www.impact-handling.com.
ends
About Impact Handling
Established in 1985, Impact Handling is wholly owned by Eqstra Holdings and is the sole distributor for Cat® Lift Trucks for the whole of the UK and Ireland. Impact Handling is also an agent for some of the world’s best known materials handling brands; ranging from forklift and warehouse equipment, heavy duty lift trucks, long load handling, side loaders, articulated trucks, access equipment and cranes which makes up a full complement of materials handling equipment. As one of the UK’s largest independent materials handling companies, Impact Handling operates from nine locations and has more than 250 employees, including in excess of 150 service engineers. It operates a combined fleet of more than 5,000 rental units, plus supports 2,000 customer-owned machines and 2,000 used assets.
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