Irion Sideloaders Ltd is reinforcing its presence in the UK with a move to larger offices and the imminent launch of four additions to its range of sideloaders.

The new machines will be presented for the first time at the Woodmex 2002 exhibition at the NEC, Birmingham from November 17-20.

Irion already offers a wider range of sideloaders than any other manufacturer – covering all variations of motive power (diesel, LP gas and electric), tyre configurations, drive/hydraulic options, differing platform widths/heights and travel modes (2-way, 4-way and multi-directional).

“Our unique ability to offer all permutations of sideloader from a single source means we can find a handling solution that is right for the customer…rather than one that is right for the supplier,” said David Cooper, Irion’s managing director.

&#8220Our unique ability to offer all permutations of sideloader from a single source means we can find a handling solution that is right for the customer…rather than one that is right for the supplier”

David Cooper, Irion managing director¶

“Since the relaunch of the Irion brand last year we have seen rapid growth in sales, and our investment in larger premises – comprising offices and a racked warehouse for holding spare parts – reflects our commitment to maintaining the highest level of service.”

Irion, which built Europe’s first sideloader in the late 1950s and has factories in France, Germany and Italy, was first introduced to the UK in 1987 by Kalmar. Market share reached 35% before Kalmar opted to discontinue the line and focus on its core business of port and terminal handling equipment.

In April 2001, Irion Sideloaders Ltd was established to relaunch the machines into the UK and provide a full national service incorporating sales, hire and lease of new equipment, and spares and after-sales support for new Irion sideloaders and as the exclusive authorised UK source of spares for the older Kalmar Irion machines.