After a strategic review, well known fork truck supply and service group Cooper Specialised Handling has announced a restructuring of its materials handling business, splitting the operation into three distinct business units. Cooper Handling Group Ltd is the holding company which incorporates Cooper Specialised Handling Ltd, Cooper Materials Handling Ltd and Cooper Handling Solutions Ltd. The three new businesses will operate out of Cooper's established base in Honiley, Warwickshire, and a brand new facility in Greater Manchester.

The three operations will each handle a dedicated sector with Cooper Specialised Handling Ltd continuing to focus on developing sales of Konecranes and Mantsinen equipment to end users and independent dealers in the specialised handling sector selling industrial and port equipment comprising lift trucks from 6 tonnes to 70 tonnes, laden and unladen container handlers, reach stackers, and hydraulic cranes (material handlers).

Cooper Handling Solutions Ltd is the dedicated division responsible for delivery and execution of parts supply, rentals, maintenance and servicing for all brands represented by Cooper Group products. The company will also set up its own dealer business to supply product to end users throughout the North West of England. The new business creation also opens opportunities for servicing of other competitive brands thus broadening the Group's scope and reach. Cooper Handling Solutions will have access to over £1 million of spare parts stock located in the newly acquired and extensively refurbished premises in Trafford Park, Manchester. It will further seek to grow its network of engineers nationally as opportunities arise.

The general materials handling side of the business, formally Samuk Lift Trucks, will now be called Cooper Materials Handling Ltd. The newly named business will operate as a sales company of the Maximal brand and represent the distribution link between the factory and the UK dealer network. David Cooper, Managing Director of the new Group Company said:

"The Cooper name has long been associated with our role as the UK distributor of Konecranes and Mantsinen heavy handling equipment. But the business has evolved a great deal in recent years and our aim now is to grow by making best use of our experience and expertise in the general materials handing sector and rental marketplace and by utilising our skills in servicing, maintenance and parts to full advantage."