Baumann, the world’s largest sideloader manufacturer, has appointed Hannaman Material Handling as official distributors for North Wales. The appointment takes the total number of UK distributors to six.
Whilst the size of the UK sideloader market remains relatively modest, the ability of sideloader equipment to carry long loads over greater distances has led to resurgence in popularity, particularly amongst ports operators, timber, metals and extrusions businesses.
The Italian manufacturer established a new UK business in August 2015, led by managing director, Jason Reynolds.
Said Jason: “We value long-term partnerships and believe our customers are best served by committed distributors that understand the products and mechanics well. We believe we have found that in Hannaman, who have a great track record and an excellent customer base.”
Hannaman Material Handling is a dealer of Mitsubishi Forklifts in addition to several other links and access to equipment from other brands such as Combilift, JCB, Crown, Hako Floorcare as well as a variety of access platform equipment.
Hannaman managing director, Steve Downey, says Baumann is a perfect fit for their complete range of high quality products on offer. Says Steve: “We are delighted to be working with Baumann to offer a complete solution for our customers. As a market leader in the sideloader business, Baumann is allowing our customers handling timber, scaffolding or metalwork to have access to the best equipment for the job.”
Baumann has been at the forefront of developing AC battery powered sideloaders, offering very low maintenance and operating costs, together with a load-levelling system that enables the machine deck, load bed and forks to remain perfectly level at all times, even on rough terrain or slopes.
This year the company also won this year’s Fork Lift Truck Association award for Innovation, for its Archimedes screw outreach system, one of the most significant developments in sideloader design in 40 years.
The new Baumann GX Series utilises the direct drive Archimedes screw and sliding blocks, to extend the fork carriage, whilst preventing transverse movements and eliminating unnecessary stresses. The system means greater sensitivity and consistent control, and the maximum working speeds – results never before reached.
Despite being considered one of the most respected and reliable brands in the sideloader sector, the Baumann brand has suffered from confusion brought about by the sale of its German service arm in 2007, and subsequent attempts by competitors to utilise the Baumann name. The factory itself, established in the late 1960s, has responded by adopting the name of its birthplace on the shores of Lake Garda, Cavaion.
The location of ‘Cavaion Sideloaders Baumann’ was said to have been selected for its proximity to a renowned nearby technical school by owner, Wolfgang Baumann, who believes craftsmanship “permeates the local culture.” The fledgling business took just six months to produce its first model. A family company to this day, Baumann now sells its 3 to 50 tonnes sideloaders worldwide through 106 dealers in 76 countries.