18th August 2016

UK’s first dedicated forklift truck training centre to open at Kembrey Park, Swindon

The Forklift Training Engineering Centre (F-TEC), the industry-led organisation that delivers apprenticeships in materials handling equipment, will establish the UK’s first dedicated lift truck engineer training centre in Swindon after agreeing terms with Alder King on Unit 17 Ash, an end of terrace light industrial unit situated within Kembrey Park to the north of Swindon. 

The new training centre, which features lecture theatres and a workshop area, will give the next generation of forklift truck service engineers the highest level of industry-focused skills training and mature engineers can upgrade their knowledge to ensure they keep pace with the industry’s increasingly rapid technological advances.

Karl Baum, a director of F-TEC, commented: “After a long search of the Swindon property market, we inspected Unit 17 and knew that it was not only the right unit for our business but also the type of business park environment that we felt would portray the right image for our business.”

Speaking on behalf of the landlords, Martin Baker of Alder King commented: “I am delighted to have concluded this transaction with F-TEC and wish them every success with their continued expansion plans.  I am sure that they will be a welcome addition to the park.

“The Ash units at Kembrey Park continue to prove attractive to occupiers, as they have done for circa 30 years.  The well maintained estate is home to a number of local, regional and national occupiers.”

The property, which had been vacant after the previous occupant ceased trading at the end of 2015, extends to circa 4,600 sq ft and has been let on a new five year lease agreement.

F-TEC is the new name of the British Industrial Truck Association (BITA) and the Forklift Truck Association (FTA).