Different Approach to Logistics Solutions Sees Two Fork Lift Truck Makers Sign New Deals

AUSTRALIA – GERMANY – UK – By a strange quirk of fate this week saw two major European fork lift manufacturers announce deals extending their influence in the region by signing contracts in Australia. German headquartered Jungheinrich, has acquired a majority stake in Australian material handling equipment dealership, NTP Forklifts Australia, whilst UK based Narrow Aisle Ltd, manufacturer of the Flexi range of articulated forklift trucks and associated logistics solutions, has signed a new six-year distribution agreement with Flexilift Australia.

Since 2008, NTP Forklifts Australia has been the exclusive partner for Jungheinrich products in Australia, one of the largest material handling equipment markets in the Asia-Pacific region, and the new deal sees Jungheinrich bidding to enhance its global footprint in the direct sales market. NTP Forklifts Australia will continue to operate as an independent brand as part of the Jungheinrich Group, with NTP founder Nick Perdelis, remaining as an important shareholder and will also be a member of a newly established Board of Directors of NTP, enabling him to continue being closely involved in the company’s future.

Headquartered in Adelaide, NTP Forklifts Australia is represented with branch offices in all of Australia’s major regions. Besides Jungheinrich, NTP sells Manitou, TCM, Kalmar and Taylor-Dunn branded products. Current business with these brands is not only to be continued under the new ownership structure, but to be further expanded.

NTP currently employs over 230 staff across six key locations. NTP Forklifts Australia’s existing management shall remain in place headed by both Damien Garvey and Jason Perdelis, with Jungheinrich as majority shareholder. Georg Frey, Chairman of the Board of Management of Jungheinrich AG, said:

“By leveraging from Jungheinrich’s industrial management, we will expand NTP’s business with Jungheinrich products in the Australian market significantly and continue to strengthen our position in the Asia-Pacific region.”

Meanwhile Narrow Aisle’s new deal sees it confirm Flexilift Australia as the sole distributor of the Flexi series of articulated fork lift trucks across the country. Contrary to the belief of many, the first of the Flexi articulated range was launched earlier than they would realise, 25 years ago in fact. Flexi believe that there is room to extend sales as the concept of the narrow, jointed machines and the ability to reduce aisle widths accordingly has not yet been fully appreciated by the Australian market. John Maguire, sales and marketing director of Narrow Aisle commented:

“We have enjoyed a successful relationship with Flexilift Australia for a number of years and are delighted to have reached this agreement that will see Flexilift, market, distribute and support Flexi products in what is a very important market for our brand. The Flexi articulated truck concept has revolutionised warehousing and logistics processes across Australia and we anticipate that demand for the trucks will continue to grow.”

Photo: The Flexi range.