30th June 2005 - Clark Equipment expands into the booming Western Australian market

Announcing the latest expansion of the Company owned distribution network Clark Equipment's Managing Director Robert Hammond stated, "The establishment of a branch in Western Australia is a major step in our expansion strategies."

"You simply must have a strong presence in a state where Bureau of Statistics figures for 2003-04 showed that the Western Australian economy recorded its strongest rate of growth on record, increasing by 7.5%, the fastest rate of growth of all the states."

Robert continued "This was fuelled by very strong growth in private fixed capital formation, rising by 11.9%, the second largest increase of all the states. Most of this increase was attributable to business investment on machinery and equipment, supported by a strong $A and the expansion of the state's huge resources industry."

"This strategic move has been undertaken with the assistance and co-operation of Clarklift WA's Proprietor Les Brown. Clarklift has been our distributor in WA for many years. Les Brown will be assisting with the establishment of our new branch and then will continue to be involved in the further development of the business," Robert concluded.

Michael Curtain, who joined Clark Equipment in August last year as District Manager WA, has been appointed as the General Manager of Clark Equipment's Western Australia branch.

Michael commented "It's a very exciting opportunity especially with the addition of Ingersoll Rand to our product range and the enormous growth in construction in WA.
All permanent employees of Clarklift WA have been offered positions within the new branch operation so I will be working with the team I know well."

Clark Equipment will be acquiring certain operating assets of Clarklift WA from the close of business 30th June 2005 and will commence operation on 1st July 2005 in the existing Clarklift premises.