CARGOTEC CORPORATION, TRADE PRESS RELEASE, 18 AUGUST 2010 AT 10 A.M. (EEST)
It has been 65 years since Cecil Moffett founded a small, family run, engineering business in Clontibret, Co. Monaghan, Ireland. Over the years, Moffett Engineering Limited has grown and adapted, underpinned by a strong customer focus and a culture of innovation, quality and manufacturing excellence. This Irish success story continues to work hard, investing in its range of Hiab Moffett truck-mounted forklifts, developing customer solutions and setting industry standards. Today, as part of Cargotec Corporation, Hiab Moffett is the market leader in truck-mounted forklifts and stronger than ever.
The early years
Cecil Moffett had humble beginnings, starting out by manufacturing farm implements for his own farm. As word of his enterprise and expertise spread, the Moffett business was born. During the 1950s and 60s, Moffett continued to develop products for the local agricultural market. In early the 70s, the firm entered the global market with multicast products for the building industry. However, it was only in 1986 that it created a small revolution in the transport industry with the invention of the truck-mounted forklift, a three-wheeled drive machine that can be carried on almost any truck or trailer without any loss of load space. This invention made deliveries significantly faster and more cost effective than ever.
New plant and a major investment
In 1996, as production increased and the model range was expanded, Moffett relocated from the Co. Monaghan factory to a new plant on the Ardee Road, Dundalk, Co. Louth. In 2004, this plant was transformed into a 'Centre of Excellence' for research and development, with an investment of EUR 8 million in enhanced manufacturing facilities, including a new state-of-the-art paint facility. The Dundalk site is now the hub of all R&D and the prime manufacturing plant for all Hiab Moffett truck-mounted forklifts.
Joining forces
In 2000, Moffett Engineering Limited became part of Cargotec Corporation, along with the Dutch truck-mounted forklift manufacturer Kooi. Moffett and Kooi merged into one product line, their combined expertise providing an invaluable competitive edge in almost any market or application.
Today, the truck-mounted forklifts are under the Hiab Moffett brand, referring to their position in Cargotec. Together with Kalmar and MacGregor, Cargotec's daughter brand Hiab is a recognised leader in cargo and load handling solutions around the world. Operating in more than 120 countries globally, and utilising the shared skills and competencies of a global market leader, Cargotec is ideally positioned close to customers. It creates a foundation for a worldwide sales and service network and offers unrivalled competitiveness in the development of customer-driven solutions.
A wide range of products for various applications
The Hiab Moffett model range includes specialist machines for all applications from building, agriculture and animal feed, recycling, poultry, gas work and a huge range of other commercial and industrial uses. With a lift capacity from 1.5 to 3.5t and specialist attachments, the machine from Dundalk continues to stand for quality, innovation and the latest advances in safety and technology. In the last five years Hiab Moffett has developed a complete new range of industry-leading truck-mounted forklifts. The newest additions, the Hiab Moffett M2 and the Hiab Moffett M10, launched during 2010.
So far it has been quite a journey, from a small family-run company to the modern business that exists today. The values, however, remain the same, with a focus on innovation and a commitment to delivering an outstanding product and service to customers throughout the world.
For further information please contact,
Keith Quigley, Vice President, Truck-Mounted Forklift Product Business, tel. +447 801 067 784, keith.quigley@cargotec.com
or
Maija Eklöf, Communications Manager, tel. +358 204 55 4639, maija.eklof@cargotec.com
Notes to editors
Cargotec improves the efficiency of cargo flows on land and at sea - wherever cargo is on the move. Cargotec's daughter brands, Hiab, Kalmar and MacGregor are recognised leaders in cargo and load handling solutions around the world. Cargotec's global network is positioned close to customers and offers extensive services that ensure the continuous, reliable and sustainable performance of equipment. Cargotec's sales totalled EUR 2.6 billion in 2009 and it employs approximately 9,500 people. Cargotec's class B shares are quoted on the NASDAQ OMX Helsinki. www.cargotec.com
Hiab is the global market-leading brand in on-road load handling solutions. Customer-driven Hiab on-road load handling products and solutions are utilised in moving goods and materials on the road, for example in construction sites, forests, industry, waste handling, recycling and by the defence forces. www.hiab.com