South Africa-based company establishes new facility in Jacksonville

South Africa-based company establishes new facility in Jacksonville

Big Lift Trucks (BLT), a South African-based company that handles and refurbishes heavy duty forklifts and container handling equipment used at seaport facilities, has selected Jacksonville as their new U.S. headquarters.

BLT offers services in warehousing, container storage and distribution; has invested $5 million in the project; and plans to hire 15 employees at an average annual wage of $43, 475. "The new 33,000 square foot secure facility, with a three acre open storage yard for project cargo and containers, is equipped with the latest quality branded container handling equipment, designed for efficient productivity, fast operating times and optimum safety of cargoes," said Jo-Ann Mellon, CEO of Big Lift Trucks, USA.

With more than 40 years experience in the shipping and material handling sector, BLT will provide technical and support services to the transportation and shipping industries, in Jacksonville and the surrounding areas.

The company will export refurbished equipment throughout Africa and also will be the sole U.S. distributor of Mobicon and Meclift container handlers and forklifts.

BLT’s international network also provides logistics and forwarding services to both U.S. exporters and importers.

Cornerstone Chair Kelly Madden stated, "This project represents another outstanding international program and shows Jacksonville’s growth in the international marketplace. We are excited to have Big Lift Trucks in our region."