Founders of Herefordshire forklift firm return 50 years later

ABT Loadmac, which says it is the only UK manufacturer of truck-mounted forklifts, welcomed back founders Anthony Beach Thomas and Roger Gates.

Both were accompanied by their families and given a personal guided tour of the factory by Mark Hignett, one of the current directors of the 50-year-old firm.

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The company said the pair were impressed by how the business has evolved, especially into the manufacture of the company’s own Loadmac truck-mounted forklifts.

They are 100 per cent manufactured by ABT from raw steel to finished machine, and exported all over the world.

Tim Morris, managing director at the Ashburton Industrial Estate-based firm, presented the duo with a pair of Royal Warrants that the company were awarded many years ago.

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“It was a privilege to have the opportunity to show both Anthony and Roger how far the company has advanced," said Mr Morris.

“ABT Loadmac now employs more than 100 people in its factories and sales Companies in the UK, Europe and around the World, and continues to build on the reputation for innovation and quality that Anthony and Roger established 50 years ago.”