A DEAL worth £1.7 million has been completed by Harrogate-based ukforks, a division of national plant hire company Vp plc, to buy a fleet of 30 telehandlers.

The 17-metre-reach telehandlers - for lifting high loads on construction sites - are already in use on house building and commercial construction sites in North Yorkshire.

Pressure to develop brownfield urban sites is leading to taller buildings being constructed on smaller sites, and telehanders are replacing cranes because they are more versatile and manoeuvrable in confined spaces.

Ukforks divisional director, Rob Coxon, said: "We are delighted to announce this fleet acquisition, which demonstrates that we are constantly leading the way with new technology and seeking new opportunities in line with the challenges facing the construction and house-building sectors."

Updated: 11:08 Tuesday, July 29, 2003