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Baumann Appoints New Portuguese Distributors

Baumann, the world’s leading sideloader manufacturer, has appointed Mobilift as their official distributor in Portugal.

Mobilift is the largest supplier of leased heavy forklifts in the country and has a significant presence in the ports and terminals markets and via its workshop facilities in Palmela.

Baumann dealers and customers are known to stay loyal to the brand for years, often decades. The company therefore has a very stable dealer network, with new appointments rare. As the demand for sideloaders has grown within Portugal, however, Baumann felt the time was right to appoint a local team to represent the brand.

Baumann’s sales manager, Fabio Bernieri, welcomed the Mobilift team and believes they are the perfect partners for the leading manufacturer. Said Fabio: “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 Mobilift, who have a great track record and an excellent customer base.”

Mobilift became part of the Dutch-based Peinemann Mobilift Group in 2008 and has strong links to a variety of equipment brands such as Konecranes, Hangcha and Carer.

The group’s international operations also include branches in Poland, Romania, Liberia, Ghana, Ivory Coast and Oman. As a part of the Peinemann Mobilift Group, Mobilift International has access to a massive fleet and available parts, as well as years of experience in the maintenance and service of equipment.

The addition of the Baumann product range will give Mobilift greater opportunities throughout the heavy industry sectors, says director, Jorge Miranda.

“Our customers are used to products that are reliable and capable of withstanding challenging environments. When we looked at the sideloader options available to us, Baumann stood out head and shoulders, and the initial response from customers is very positive, and we are of course extremely pleased to be representing Baumann nationwide.”

The size of the Portuguese sideloader market has been relatively modest. The ability of sideloader equipment to carry long loads over greater distances has led to resurgence in popularity around the globe, particularly amongst ports operators, timber, metals and extrusions businesses.

Portugal has around 3 million hectares of forests and an extremely well-developed timber processing industry, whilst Portuguese crude steel production and steel processing is nearing record levels.
Baumann has been at the forefront of developing new sideloader technology for such markets including AC battery powered sideloaders, now a significant part of global sales. Offering very low maintenance and operating costs, the machines also feature a load-levelling system that enables the load bed and forks to remain level at all times, even on rough terrain or slopes.

Baumann has twice been awarded by the Fork Lift Truck Association for product innovation and ergonomic designs, and recently produced the world’s largest sideloader, the 50 tonnes capacity GXS500. The latest models feature VRS, including an Archimedes outreach system that has proven to be one of the most significant developments in sideloader design in almost 50 years.

The 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.

Concludes Fabio: “We are a company that has product development in its DNA, whether that be in introducing long lasting electrics, or high capacity heavy sideloaders. Naturally we will continue to look for the best companies to support those products. We are also looking forward to enhancing our partnership with Mobilift for many years to come.”

Based in Cavaion on the shores of Lake Garda, Baumann has led the sector for over 50 years, and now sells its products worldwide through 106 dealers in 76 countries. The multi-award winner produces equipment up to 60 tonnes capacity, and has a reputation for consistent invention and the highest level of design and productivity.

For further information visit www.baumann-sideloaders.com and www.mobilift.pt