Leading sideloader manufacturer sets up in UK

The UK business will support a growing dealer network and offer technical training and parts support, specification and marketing advice, as well as a direct link with the Italian factory.

The venture is the manufacturer’s first direct presence in the UK and follows a surge in sales over the past 12 months.

Baumann UK has also taken on John Gillan as senior technical engineer.

Dr. Klaus Pirpamer, managing director of Baumann S.r.l, said the idea of a UK base had been considered for some time, but the market conditions now provided a fantastic opportunity to put those plans into practice.

"Our connection with the UK goes back many years. We understand the market and we’re proud of the progress made by our dealers. This move will give both them and our customers additional support and provides an excellent foundation for further growth.”

While the size of the UK sideloader market remains relatively modest, the ability of sideloader equipment to carry long loads over greater distances has led to a resurgence in popularity, particularly amongst ports operators, timber, metals and energy businesses.

Baumann has been at the forefront of developing AC battery powered sideloaders, offering very low maintenance and operating costs, together with a load-levelling system that enables the machine deck, load bed and forks to remain perfectly level at all times, even on rough terrain or slopes. 

"Our three to 50 tonnes capacity product range has a fantastic reputation and gets rave reviews by the likes of Metsä Wood, Longley Concrete and timber merchants, Illingworth Ingham,” adds Jason Reynolds. "With the ability to effectively traverse less-than-ideal ground conditions, provide high-density, narrow-aisle storage configurations and handle the heat, dust and other factors associated with primary industries, the range has proven itself time and again. Our job is to build on the work done to date, to establish the brand in its rightful place as the leading name in its field.”

As the UK arm of the factory, the new company will officially be called Cavaion Baumann UK, but will trade as Baumann UK.

Despite being considered one of the most respected and reliable brands in the sideloader sector, the Baumann brand has suffered from confusion brought about by the sale of its German service arm in 2007, and subsequent attempts by competitors to utilise the Baumann name. The factory itself, established in the late 1960s, has responded by adopting the name of its birthplace on the shores of Lake Garda, Cavaion. 

The location of ‘Cavaion Sideloaders Baumann’ was said to have been selected for its proximity to a renowned nearby technical school by owner, Wolfgang Baumann, who believes craftsmanship "permeates the local culture” - the fledgling business took just six months to produce its first model. A family company to this day, Baumann now sells its products worldwide through 106 dealers in 76 countries.