Impact Handling has taken over Birmingham-based materials handling firm Abex as part of its plan to strengthen its network coverage as distributor for Cat Lift Trucks in the UK and Ireland.
The Birmingham site becomes the 11th Impact Handling depot and follows the opening of a new facility in Manchester in March 2013.
Impact managing director Terry Kendrew said: “We couldn’t have found a business better suited to join our network and represent the Cat Lift Trucks brand.
The new ownership enables Abex to offer the complete Cat lift trucks range, replacing a previous agreement with another manufacturer. Abex will also retain its dealership of Combilift machines for the long-load handling market – a brand already offered by Impact Handling. It will also continue to sell its MAP3 mobile access platform.
Martin Connop, former managing director of Abex, is working with Impact Handling during the initial implementation period. He said: “Customers will continue to deal with the same staff in the depot, and we’re absolutely focused on making sure the only changes customers see are positive.”
