A world leader in the supply of atmospheric, process and specialty gases has begun taking delivery of state-of-the-art forklift trucks after signing a major new contract with Yale Europe Materials Handling and the Forkway Group.

Air Products currently operates around 60 trucks across 27 sites in the UK and over the next couple of years they will be replaced by a range of Yale trucks capable of meeting the company's unique and challenging requirements.

Forkway has worked with Air Products for nearly a quarter of a century, and according to the forklift company's Managing Director, Martyn Fletcher, its partnership with a company at the forefront of materials handling technology was a key factor in securing the deal.

Martyn explained: "The extensive and versatile Yale range is ideally suited to the varied needs of Air Products.

Already delivered are 10 ton and 4.5 ton diesel trucks; 3 wheeled compact electric models; a pedestrian operated stacker. Most recently, four of Yale's popular 2.5 ton Veracitor VX diesel trucks were delivered to the Air Products Chemicals site in Clayton, Manchester two of which were modified by Pyroban to operate in hazardous areas.

In the coming months Air Products will also take delivery of a number of raised cab VX models as part of a mixed fleet "The high cab models are particularly important as they offer operators improved visibility as they move unusually high loads and travel around the sites where such high loads are stored"

Paul Dodds Operations Manager at Air Products commented: "Our operators have been won over by the Yale trucks thanks to their ease of operation and comfort.

"We've also been impressed by the confidence shown in the product by our longstanding supplier, Forkway."

"From a practical point of view, the new trucks will help us to develop an even more efficient and productive operation thanks to their ergonomics, reliability and suitability to our unique needs.

"We look forward to working with Forkway and Yale for many years to come," he added.

Forkway works with Yale's exclusive UK dealer Briggs.