Despite tough trading conditions during 2009, Lift West, a dealership in Somerset, United Kingdom, have succeeded in winning one of Nissan Forklift's largest ever single order.

Although Lift West was late entering the negotiations with Vion for an exclusive five year contract to replace their fleet of 450 trucks, Lift West considered the reward to be worth it. The initial order will be for about 240 units, and was won at the expense of Vion's largest supplier. All major manufacturers submitted proposals, however Vion narrowed the final choice to the current supplier and Nissan for the supply of trucks that represent both Nissan warehouse and counterbalanced ranges - the greatest majority by far are power pallet and reach trucks.

Vion, one of the UK's largest food processors and suppliers, supplying all major supermarket groups from more than 40 sites throughout the UK, required a fixed price five year contract for their 24 / 7 operations, this entails undertaking for a four hour response time, standby trucks and driver training. Trucks will be supplied with a full truck and operator management system.

This is a great contract for Nissan Forklift and Lift West, it offers significant volume in a difficult market, demonstrates the ability for a competitive proposal with the Nissan range and is not only a new and incremental customer but one that has been gained at the expense of a major competitor.