British Forklift Manufacturer Nexen Rolls Its First Forklift Off Its UK Production Line

Lowestoft, United Kingdom, July 01, 2012 --(PR.com)-- Since the announcement that Nexen were to move their premium "X range" production from their Taiwan facility to their U.K. 5,000 sq. m (4 acre) site complete with direct quay heading Nexen has been completing final assembly of its lift trucks at the East Anglian location. Full production has now commenced, beginning a new era of U.K. manufacture.

Initially, L.P.G. and Diesel models up to 3.5 ton will be produced, with 4.0, 4.5 and 5.0 ton units to be added within the next few months.

Following on from the successful introduction of the Cushion tyre machines in LPG and Diesel for the North American market, it has now been announced that the eagerly awaited launch of the innovative "X range" Electric models consisting of both 3 and 4 wheeled models are currently being prototyped at their East Anglian location, these will also be manufactured at Lowestoft towards the end of the current year.

All of these new models will take advantage of the latest technological advances and innovative features already encompassed within the existing X range" product line, which consists of:

Pneumatic & cushion 1.6 – 1.8, 2.0 – 3.5 tonne Nexen Internal Combustion (I.C.) counterbalanced forklifts in LPG, Diesel and Dual Fuel variants. These trucks incorporate the latest engines from Yanmar, and from G.M. with options such as full electronic ECU control with 3 way closed loop catalyst which meets the stringent CARB EPA certification required for the North American market.

Nexen is also well prepared for the future and can offer Euro Stage 3B final diesel engines in the 1.6 to 5 tonne IC engine range machine. In addition the design team are working rigorously on alternative fuel technologies and new features to compliment those already used on current models.

Innovative design features
- Laptop free maintenance
- LCD Smartdash for ease of diagnostics
- Fully vibration isolated drivers cell
- Modular overhead guard
- Unparalleled access for ease of maintenance
- Driver presence sensing
- Advanced inching control
- Choice of transmission including Optimal + (Incorporating oil cooled disc brakes)
- Anti-roll back on ramps and inclines (Optimal + only)

Utilising the very latest design software and technology allows Nexen to deliver class leading lift trucks to its customers, with superior ergonomics and comfort merging this with the highest specification components Nexen offers high quality and reliability to its customers. All this leads to Nexen offering an excellent return on investment and one of the lowest costs of ownership in its class.

Class leading ergonomics
Nexen has carried out extensive studies which have shown that driver comfort leads to savings in operating costs and increased safety.

All of Nexen’s lift trucks undergo rigorous testing prior to leaving their facility to ensure maximum safety and reliability in the workplace. Testing has revealed that the "X range" is easier and more comfortable to operate than leading competitors machines, which will significantly reduce operator fatigue and increase productivity through superior operator comfort, effortless operation, and ease of entry and exit.

Nexen has achieved this through:
- Low noise levels to reduce driver fatigue
- Class leading, flat floor design & exceptionally low step height
- Improved single brake pedal layout reducing pedal resistance and decreasing braking effort

Serviceability
Nexen offers fast & comprehensive service support delivered through an extensive and experienced worldwide dealer network. The "X range" family of lift trucks covers new ground, with a great emphasis placed on engineering efficiency and simplicity of maintenance. Even the toughest, most durable machines with moving parts require regular servicing and maintenance and Nexen lift trucks are designed and built with this in mind.

The whole concept behind the design of the "X range" has been to design a forklift that will be the quickest and easiest to service in the market today. This improved serviceability directly results in decreased downtime compared to competitor's products and has in turn generated overwhelming interest from fleet operators worldwide.

Furthermore, Nexen is committed to delivering exemplary after sales support for the "X range" that includes a parts availability program that is one of the fastest and best supported in the industry.

With full parts and technical support available direct from the manufacturing base, this will give Nexen a distinct advantage over its competitors.

Nexen’s Future Growth
Managing Director Mr Timothy Mason said, "U.K. production will enable us to meet the growing demands of our European, North American and Middle East customers, whilst allowing our Taiwanese facility to continue to supply the Asian, African and Australasian markets in particular."

The Lowestoft facility will also provide a welcome, employment opportunity for the local economy, where Nexen gradually plans to increase the workforce not only on the shop floor but also in its R & D and sales departments to meet its expected volume of 2500 units by the end of 2015, increasing to 5000 + units by the end of 2020. Nexen however is confident of exceeding these figures through the continued expansion of its extensive worldwide network of dealers and the continued introduction of innovative new models. The improved economy in the North American market along with strong evidence that industry will continue growing throughout 2012 and beyond has justified Nexen’s continued investment in the materials handling sector.