Samuk Lift Trucks recently hosted two 'World Premiere' Open Days to launch its B Series fork truck range. The 300 guests, who included customers, Samuk dealers and members of the trade press, saw demonstrations of the new B series alongside other trucks from the company's range of counterbalance fork trucks, reach trucks, powered pallet trucks and pedestrian-operated stackers.

The Open Day events included presentations from the company's Chairman, Sir Neville Bowman-Shaw, who talked about the global market and opportunities for the UK, as well as Jenny Zhang, General Manager of leading Chinese truck manufacturer Hangcha. Following a substantial investment of $147 million, the ultra-modern Hangcha factory is capable of producing 80,000 trucks a year. As a result, the Hangcha/Samuk partnership is uniquely positioned to offer production capacity to the recovering global market. Reflecting this impressive output, Samuk has recently increased its UK sales regions from two to three. This now enables the company to respond immediately to rising enquiry levels and allows its dealers to have more direct contact with existing and potential customers.

Samuk's new B Series range of counterbalance fork trucks provides lifting capacities from 1.3 to 3.5 tonnes. Both the diesel and LPG options offer exceptionally quiet, smooth operation. Excellent operator visibility is assured by a clear view mast and a high driving position whilst a full suspension seat provides comfort and lumbar support for less physical stress. A full range of options is available from premium cabs to 4-cylinder clear view triplex masts.

The new P Series of pedestrian pallet transporters was another range to be showcased at the Open Day events. A purpose-designed pedestrian range, Samuk's P series has an unsprung drive unit with sprung castors to provide increasing traction with increasing load. Ideal for poor surfaces and gradients with acceptable lateral sway, the P series also has a long steering lever to make turning easier with heavy loads. Another of Samuk's pedestrian-operated trucks is the new K Series of electric stackers. This range offers capacities from 1.0 to 1.6 tonnes and features 3000mm duplex up to 4500mm triplex masts. This 10-model range includes standard, double, full free lift, straddle and counterbalance options.

The increased cab size of Samuk's updated BR Reach series was another new feature to be unveiled: the driver zone is now bigger by 100mm, providing extra comfort and flexibility. The BR trucks incorporate the latest technology into a conventional design, minimising operator and service engineer training.

Samuk's heavy-duty, long-life BY Series has been extended to incorporate a 12-tonne model. The BY series has a long wheel-base for a smoother ride and a heavy, robust mast. Built for 15,000 operating hours or more between major overhauls, the BY trucks are strong workhorses, delivering a reliable working life of up to 20 years.

Samuk trucks are designed to be easily serviced by mechanical engineers, without the need for laptops or complicated technology. But although the basic design is simple, Samuk's advanced engines provide lower noise and vibration levels, as well as reduced emissions. With excellent visibility, a full-suspension seat for added comfort and smooth, quiet hydraulics, Samuk's range is hard to beat.

The Samuk/Hangcha partnership manufactures and distributes a proven range of counterbalance and warehouse trucks throughout the UK, Ireland and Europe. Customer support is a vital element of the Samuk philosophy and the company's network of local dealers ensures a first-class, personal service for every customer.