Forklift truck dealer Briggs is to double in size and recruit new staff following the takeover of a rival firm.

The Cannock-based company has completed its takeover of Barloworld Handling, with chief executive Richard Close saying he will keep all 22 UK bases open including those in West Bromwich and Tamworth.

Mr Close would not reveal the amount paid for Barloworld but said Briggs, which is based in Orbital Way and has an annual turnover of £95 million, had doubled in size as a result.

The whole of Barloworld, which had a £105m turnover and employs 900, will be renamed Briggs Equipment.

“We were on course for a record year even before the Barloworld deal,” said Mr Close. “This deal is good news for Cannock and the local community.”