Combilift Ireland, manufacturers of the world-renowned Aisle-Master articulated forklifts, has appointed an exclusive New Zealand distributor for the Aisle-Master product range.

Under the terms of the agreement signed by Combilift Ireland and Aisle Master NZ, Aisle Master NZ takes on the exclusive distribution of the Aisle-Master range to both current resellers and also end-users without an existing supply relationship with a reseller.

Combilift Ireland‘s New Zealand representative, David Edmonds, will handle all enquiries about Aisle-Master products and services.

Aisle Master NZ also takes on responsibility for product support and warranty, and a comprehensive parts holding in New Zealand will reduce downtime.

Aisle Master NZ is a joint venture company formed by Auckland‘s Northern Forklifts Ltd and The Independent Forklift Company from Christchurch. Aisle Master NZ will operate as the importer and distributor of Aisle-Master, dealing with factory orders and shipping. Northern Forklifts will conduct pre-delivery checks for North Island orders and The Independent Forklift Company for machines landing in Christchurch.

NFL and TIFL will also provide after-sales service for machines sold direct by Aisle Master NZ from their own branches and through a service agent network. Servicing for machines purchased from other resellers will continue as normal, with the additional benefit of overall product support from Aisle Master NZ.

Aisle Master NZ director Dexter Hyland says he and his fellow directors are delighted with the agreement with Combilift and believe it signals the beginning of an increase in the impact and presence of the Aisle-Master product range in New Zealand.

“Until now Aisle-Master sales and service in New Zealand were somewhat fragmented with individual resellers operating independently of each other and without any defined channels of communication with the factory. By and large they‘ve done a great job of selling the product and supporting their clients, and we‘re keen to see that continue alongside Aisle Master NZ‘s own network.”

For those unfamiliar with Aisle-Master it‘s an articulated forklift with dual capabilities. It can operate in aisles narrower than 2m and lift to a height of more than 11m, making it an extremely efficient machine for optimising space. They can also be used as a standard counterbalance forklift for loading and unloading trucks and general pallet movements. They are available in electric and LPG variants, and have built a reputation for high quality design, engineering and build quality.