Palfinger makes Ratcliff Tail Lift move

Austrian-based crane manufacturer Palfinger is set to become the market leaders in the UK if its acquisition of Ratcliff Tail Lifts, part of the Ratcliff Group is approved.

Ratcliff Tail Lifts, which currently holds approximately one third of the British tail lift market, has annual sales of about E30 million and employs a staff in excess of 200.

The company’s customer base includes retail, logistics, and distribution and transport operators.

Palfinger says the UK market differs greatly from other markets in Europe and the United States. “These markets are characterised by wide differences in product preferences, operator practice and build quality,” a spokesman for the company commented.

“The UK has always expressed an emphasis and preference for service quality and premium branding. Future operating regulations and safety legislation are also expected to increase demand in the replacement market and encourage investment in higher specification equipment,” he added.

Ratcliffe Tail Lifts will become a wholly owned subsidiary of Palfinger, subject to the approval of the Austrian anti-trust authority and will continue to trade under its own name.