Powered access specialist, AFI group of companies, has started taking delivery of Manitou telehandlers in a major investment for its new rapidly growing AFI Lifting brand. The investment was made to meet extra demand from customers wanting to hire telehandlers for industry sectors like construction, material handling, housing and building maintenance, and to add to their powered access fleet with leading manufacturers.

Predominantly based in the UK, the group also has six depots in the Middle East through Access Rental Gulf, which is a member of the group, the company said in a statement.

“We are currently investing heavily in growing our telehandler rental fleet with leading manufacturers including Manitou. This order forms part of a bigger investment to increase our diverse telehandler fleet so we can offer customers a wide range of high-reaching versatile machines and a range of rotating handlers,” said Graham Hawkins Managing Director (Un-operated division) – South.

He added: “We plan to add more machines to the fleet as part of the wider investment. Operating within AFI, we have access to a strong, experienced engineering and transport team, supported by trained technicians, trained engineers, a good customer base and our 24/7 support service.”

AFI’s telehandlers range from 5m to 20m lift heights with load capacities from 2.4 tonnes to 12 tonnes. AFI Lifting is the new material lifting brand with a telehandler rental fleet offering nationwide coverage across the UK, utilising the AFI-Uplift depot network and transport fleet.

In June 2021, Xtreme Manufacturing launched the world’s tallest fixed boom telehandler, while in September, Snorkel unveiled its first lithium powered rough-terrain boom. In June 2022, JLG showed off the expanded augmented reality (AR) capabilities of its Augmented Reality App.