The port, which covers 106 hectares (264 acres), is looking to grow its extensive trade portfolio comprising imports of forest products, non-ferrous metals, steel, aggregates and refined oil products, plus exports of agricultural limestone and chemicals. With a reputation for achieving rapid turnaround times while also delivering a high quality service, improving its cargo handling capabilities is key to maximising business development opportunities. The partnership with Cooper helped the port to find the most appropriate and cost-effective way to upgrade its equipment fleet to achieve this aim.

Ian Craig, engineering manager at Port of Sunderland, said: "When it comes to reliability, we know from experience that Konecranes forklifts will serve us well. However, a reliable piece of equipment is only part of the solution.

"The expertise and high level of service that we receive from Cooper Specialised Handling is key to making sure that our fleet operates at peak performance, especially so as we see our handling figures rise each year, and with the addition of this latest machine we look forward to strengthening this important business relationship."

The new Konecranes 32-1200C features a powerful, low emission Euro 4 Volvo tad-871-ve engine and ZF transmission and has been specified with a 5m mast to improve versatility and facilitate easy handling of a wide range of loads. It is also equipped with an individual fork positioner, since the ability to hydraulically change fork position and carriage width from inside the cabin plays an important role in speeding up the loading/unloading process thereby helping to improve productivity.

A dedicated filter kit with the requisite number of original equipment transmission, hydraulics, engine and cabin air filters will keep the forklift running for 4000 hours, while additional silencing has been incorporated around the engine and exhaust. The machine specification also includes a seatbelt, warning beacon and reversing alarm to meet regulatory requirements and improve safety for both truck driver and others operating in the working environment.

The new Konecranes truck is an important addition to Port of Sunderland's fleet of forklifts, which range in capacity from 4t to 29t. It will be put to work at the port's East Quay site on the North East coast.

Cooper Specialised Handling's northern sales manager, Martin Dale said: "We are delighted to have fulfilled another important contract with Port of Sunderland. Working in partnership with the port, we've been able to optimise its handling resource to meet future demands, leaving senior managers free to focus their energies on building the port's trade portfolio."