Big Joe Forklifts has announced its return to Australian shores after several years in North America.

The electric forklift company said the business had experienced rapid growth after its portfolio was distributed through the North American industrial truck industry.

Big Joe Forklifts President Dan Rosskamm said now is the time to move back to the Australian market.

“I can’t think of a better place to expand the brand globally than Australia where we have history, and there is a market need for simple, well-built machines, new ideas and the top-notch customer support the Big Joe brand is known for.”

The company said the Big Joe brand and factory was bought in 2009 by a partnership involving the global equipment company EP and organised into a new company called Big Lift.

Now Big Joe is back and has partnered with Australian companies Koala Forklifts and ISS ProRack.

Ron Winkler, Vice President of Aftermarket at Big Joe Forklifts, said previous Australian customers would be surprised by the new technology used in the latest models.

“The adoption of technologies such as AC drives and lithium-ion batteries would be one of the biggest contrasts to our old range. These technologies drive down repair needs while increasing the efficiency of the products,” Winkler said.

The new technology is suitable for food and beverage applications.

Matt Wavrek, Vice President of Engineering at Big Joe, said the lithium-ion technology removes the need for battery watering and battery changing.

“This can reduce or eliminate product contamination concerns and improves indoor air quality.”

Image supplied by Koala Forklifts.