Eqstra Industrial Equipment has established a new company, HC Forklifts UK, to import and distribute the HC range of forklifts manufactured by leading Chinese company Hangcha.

The newly-branded trucks will be launched to the UK public at IMHX 2013.

Already established in the UK market through its previous supplier, Samuk, the range of Hangcha trucks will be supplied through a UK-wide dealer network. Eqstra Industrial Equipment has recruited Nigel Martin to head up the new venture which adds to its portfolio of businesses.

With 15 years in the materials handling world and four years of selling the HC product already under his belt, Eqstra says that Nigel is the natural choice for this exciting new role.

Nigel is already in discussions with several potential dealerships, and is keen to hear from dealers across the country who would like to become involved with the HC brand and work together to grow their business.

The South Africa-based Eqstra group is a major player in the supply and maintenance of materials handling equipment throughout Africa, and already has an established presence in the UK through its ownership of Impact Handling, which distributes CAT forklifts from its Corby HQ. As in other countries, the new business will operate independently and is seen as a route to increasing the group's share of the whole UK market.

Gary Neubert, CEO of Eqstra Industrial Equipment, is very clear that clinching the deal to distribute the Hangcha range is complementary to the group's current activities. He said: “We are very impressed with the build quality of the brand and we understand where it sits in the market place. It is already established in the UK through its previous distributor, so we see this as great opportunity to grow our business in a competitive,mature market.”

HC Forklifts UK is based at a new office in Corby, and may be reached at 0845 600 9790.