LOADMAC Loadmac was founded in 2006, but already it has
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a serious pedigree behind it. Owner Mark Hignett (right) says: "I used to run Moffett, but I got frustrated and left." Looking for a manufacturing partner, Hignett came across ABT Products, which builds cabs and safety structures for firms such as Linde, Terex and JOB — it even makes the chassis for some Morgan cars — and undertakes Autophoretic coating of parts for customers such as Land Rover.
Hignett now owns ABT too, and is proud that Loadmac produces the only truckmounted forklifts built in Britain at its 6,000m2 factory in Ross-on-Wye. "More and more of the factory is devoted to Loadmac," says Hignett.
"Nobody else has corrosion protection like us," says Hignett; the vehicles are coated inside and out to resist a 1,000-hour salt-spray corrosion test. Hignett also talks about the trucks' light weight (the 220 is made of high-strength Domex steel), stability, innovative reach system and comfort— he reckons they protect the driver from rain better than other models. They also fit the mounting frames of other makes.
It's not just about the product, adds Hignett, who talks about direct from factory sales and support. "We don't have sales people," he says. "We have a factory that supports them and sufficient capacity to look after them. We're passionate about truck-mounted forklifts, we make a great [one] — you can pay a Ford Focus price and get an E-class Mercedes-Benz."