In July 2017, Translift, well known for the Bendi Articulated Forklift, was acquired by a combination of existing key management and a boutique Birmingham Private Equity Company. The business needed to develop from its manufacturing heritage into a complete dealership offering professional added value services to ensure excellent customer service was delivered to its large and diverse customer base.
The previous owners had decided to change direction and wanted to focus on developing and manufacturing a number of new products including SpaceMaker, a hydraulic compacting machine designed to maximise the amount of waste product which can be contained in a roll cage. These products will be marketed by Translift, and SpaceMaker is already proving to be a success.
Neil Dickinson who had managed Finning UK, the Caterpillar dealer, became Managing Director and a shareholder. His role was to work with Paul Berrow, Sales Director with over 15 years at Translift, and to invest in the business as Translift continued to transform from a manufacturer to a complete dealership.
The strategy included continuing to grow and operate a national service organisation, developing the rental opportunity, continuing to offer the Bendi and Landoll range of Articulated and Narrow Aisle Forklifts, and at the same time adding complimentary products. These plans required investment in people, systems, facilities and products.
The business has continued to work closely with Landoll, Translift’s partner during the past 15 months and worldwide producer of the Bendi. In a move designed to offer increased support to Translift and their European dealers, Landoll has established a European Hub based in the UK for trucks and parts.
Many of the original investment plans are now being executed, and with the business in a positive position, we feel it is now the right time to transition the senior management team, as planned at the time of acquisition.
We are pleased to announce that Paul Berrow was appointed Managing Director of Translift from the 1st October 2018. Paul has gained a wealth of experience in the materials handling industry through time spent at Finning Ltd, DAC Plant and Jungheinrich before joining Bendi in 2002 as Area Sales Manager. He has significant knowledge of articulated trucks and has worked closely with many national organisations and 3PL’s to improve their productivity during his position as Sales Director. Paul will be supported in his role by Rob Bull, currently Financial Controller, who will be appointed as the Finance Director. Rob
joined the business in the past 12 months as part of the acquisition strategy to add expertise in the key areas of Finance and Operations. Stephen Astbury, who also joined the business in 2002 after successful spells with Linde and BT Rolatruc, will step up to the role of Sales Director.
Neil Dickinson will continue to be part of the senior team and be appointed to the position of Executive Director Translift, working to support Paul and Rob with specific projects and with the continued execution of the strategy.
Paul, Rob and Neil, along with two members of the Jasper Private Equity team will continue to form the Board of Directors for Translift.
With the new leadership team in place and the continued investments in key areas, we believe Translift is in an excellent position to build on the heritage of the past and the experience and commitment of the employees to deliver great customer service
