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Eastern Forklift Trucks joins the BENNIE family 

Written by Eastern Forklift Trucks on 12th October 2025

Eastern Forklift Trucks joins BENNIE

We are thrilled to announce that Eastern Forklift Trucks Ltd has been acquired by Bennie Equipment Ltd, an award winning and leading MHE provider in the Midlands that share our values on raising standards within the industry and delivering the same great customer service to all. Bennie Equipment is part of The Bennie Group (BENNIE), a family run business with over nine decades of history operating in a range of industry sectors.

Bennie Equipment as an award winning and leading MHE provider in the UK continues a strategy of rapid growth through acquisitions, maintaining momentum following their recent two acquisitions in 2025 alone; Len Griffiths Forklift Services in February 2025, and Milton Keynes Forklifts in March 2025.  

Paul Brierley, MD at Eastern Forklift Trucks was looking for a partner to help take the business to the next level, provide security and opportunities for the dedicated staff and continue the same flexible friendly approach for customers.  

“Having worked so hard to build a family feel to our business it was crucial to me we partner with a similar culture and not a distant rigid corporation. Rob and I will continue in the business and remain Directors. Joining Bennie will give us the support we need in vital areas to support the businesses rapid growth over the last decade. In an ever-changing market our combined size will bring efficiencies across the business.

I truly believe the UK fork truck market needs a friendly independent support partner with national service coverage. One not at the mercy of a manufacturer but able to provide independent advice, the right product for the job and great support. I believe Bennie are on the right road to fill that void and am excited and proud for Eastern to be part of that quest.  

I would personally like to thank all our customers and suppliers for their support and our staff for their dedication not just over the last 13 years but the last 39 years in this magical industry.” 

As a 4th generation family business with a track record in successful M&A activity in the MHE space, BENNIE is a well-placed and natural fit for Paul, Rob and the Eastern team.  

BENNIE is on a mission to grow its MHE presence across the UK and the acquisition of Eastern Forklift Trucks is the latest and marks their fifth milestone in this journey. With coverage across the West, Central and now East of England, their strategy to deliver a regional service across the UK continues to deliver. Given the synergies of both businesses, it is business as usual as the partnership gets underway. Both EFL and BENNIE are absolutely committed to ensuring customers receive excellent levels of support and customer service.  

We look forward to continuing to deliver exceptional regional MHE solutions across the East of England and continue to provide our customers with award winning services. 

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