Celebrating 60 Years of Translift

Written by Ella Giles from Translift Group

For six decades, Translift has been at the forefront of materials handling innovation — shaping the way warehouses operate across the UK and beyond.

But this isn’t just a story about trucks and technology. It’s a story about challenging the norm, backing bold ideas, and refusing to accept, “that’s how it’s always been done.”

Freddy’s vision: Where it all began

Our journey started in 1964 with one man and one big idea.

Freddy Brown wasn’t interested in tweaking what already existed. He wanted to rethink it entirely.

Warehouses were growing. Space was tight. Efficiency mattered. And Freddy saw opportunity where others saw limitations.

He developed the first Narrow Aisle Man-Up machine.

He redesigned traditional counterbalance trucks into Man-Down Turret trucks.

And then he did something that would change the industry forever.

He created the world’s first articulated forklift — the Bendi.

At the time, it was radical. A truck that could operate in tight aisles and handle outdoor work? Many doubted it. The industry wasn’t asking for it — yet.

But innovation doesn’t wait for permission.

The Bendi revolutionised warehouse space utilisation and efficiency, unlocking capacity businesses didn’t even realise they had. And as the saying goes, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. Over the decades, many have tried to replicate Freddy’s idea.

But Freddy’s original patented rear-wheel drive system remains the benchmark — delivering the versatility, manoeuvrability, and reliability that made it iconic in the first place.

Growing with purpose

From those pioneering beginnings, Translift didn’t just grow — we evolved.

What started as a bold idea became a trusted partner to global blue-chip organisations across multiple sectors. Our solutions expanded. Our reach widened. But our mindset stayed the same.

Innovate. Improve. Adapt.

Along the way, that commitment has been recognised through prestigious industry awards and accreditations, including:

• The Queen’s Enterprise Award
• Excellence in Manufacturing Award
• Sustainability Award nomination
• Safe Contractor accreditation
• ROSPA Silver Achievement Award for Health & Safety 2025

These accolades mean a great deal — but what they truly represent is our people.

Behind every milestone is a team member who stayed late to solve a problem. An engineer who refined a design. A service technician who kept a customer moving. Many of our team have celebrated long service awards with us — a testament to the culture, loyalty, and pride that runs through Translift.

Innovation that adapts

Sixty years later, warehouses look very different. Automation, data, smart systems — the pace of change is relentless.

But one thing hasn’t changed: our approach.

We don’t chase trends for the sake of it. We focus on solutions that are innovative, cost-effective, and genuinely practical. Technology should work for businesses — not overwhelm them.

From the mechanical breakthroughs of the 1960s to today’s evolving automation landscape, Translift continues to lead from the front, staying agile while staying true to our roots.

The next chapter

Sixty years is a remarkable milestone.

But if history has taught us anything, it’s that the best ideas often start with someone daring to think differently.

The next chapter of Translift will be shaped by smarter systems, new technologies, sustainable innovation, and the same bold thinking that started it all in 1964.

We’re proud of where we’ve been.
We’re excited about where we’re going.

And we’re only just getting started.

Here’s to the next 60 years of innovation, growth, and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.