Hyster Co., Greenville, N.C., announced that Papé Material Handling, a division of The Papé Group, Eugene, Ore., expanded its territory coverage with the acquisition of Johnson Lift, a division of Johnson Machinery Co. As a result, Papé Material Handling is now the authorized and exclusive Hyster dealer in those territories previously covered by Johnson Lift, including eight Southern California counties, Yuma County in Western Arizona and the Baja Norte region of Mexico.

This transaction allows Hyster to maintain the highest level of product availability and service for its customers, and will help Papé Material Handling grow its materials handling business.

“At Hyster, we are committed to staying ahead of our customers’ expectations,” says Bob Sattler, vice president of dealer development for Hyster. “Papé Material Handling shares this commitment, and we are confident that they will continue to yield the expert service and support [that] our customers in these territories have come to expect. This transaction is yet another example of howour network of valued and experienced independent dealers keeps getting stronger—an invaluable resource for Hyster customers.”

“Papé is committed to delivering first-rate customer service and quality equipment to our hardworking customers,” says Chris Wetle, president of Papé Material Handling. “Our partnership with Hyster brings us great pride and positions us for even greater success as we expand our operations with the acquisition of Johnson Lift.”

Johnson Lift has represented the Hyster brand and Hyster dealer network for over 20 years. Johnson Machinery Co. will continue to own and operate its three other divisions—Johnson Machinery, Johnson Power and Ever-Pac.