Founded in January 1998, SMV UK was formed as the exclusive distributor of SMV forklifts, container handlers and reachstackers produced by SMV Ab of Markaryd Sweden.

At the time of launch there were a few SMV machines already in the UK, however the new company offered a structure of full distribution facilities necessary for a serious assault on the UK and Ireland markets.

The growth of SMV UK has been spectacular both in terms of financial growth and market share and today is the prime supplier of mobile equipment above 10 metric tonnes.

SMV in Sweden has been manufacturing mobile handling equipment since the 1950’s however it wasn’t until 1994 that the company became truly international. A new management team, design team and a new location offered the strong foundation for future growth. Turnover has now increased 12 fold since 1994 and the factory benefited from 3 extensions that has seen it quadrupled in size since 1997.

In 2004, the company was acquired by KCI Konecranes of Finland as part of KCI’s global positioning as a leading supplier of port handling equipment and renamed SMV Konecranes Ab. The strong financial foundation and global opportunities that have been created by this move will only see further success in the years to come.

Business Concept

SMV UK adopts a consultative approach to become a dedicated total solution provider of heavy lift trucks, container handlers and reachstackers above 10 metric tonnes. Centred on a core distribution policy, activities will include contract maintenance, resident engineer contracts, ad-hoc servicing and repairs, long and short-term hire and advice and support.