Independent forklift equipment experts since 1984

Built on strong values, Abbey is committed to improving safety and efficiency in the UK forklift industry through manufacturing excellence, innovation, and outstanding service. We work collaboratively with forklift manufacturers and dealers to ensure our forklift equipment and safety solutions integrate seamlessly with their businesses and their customers’ businesses.

A comprehensive
range of forklift equipment under one roof.

Abbey operates out of a wholly owned 4,400 m2 purpose-built facility located in Manchester, UK. Our in-house engineering team specialises in the end-to-end reconditioning of forklift attachments for major material handling OEMs and dealers.

We stock over 2000 attachments for immediate hire or purchase and offer a range of innovative material handling safety solutions focused on the forklift aftermarket – all fully supported by our team of expert field service engineers.

1984

Vincent Saunders establishes Abbey Attachments Ltd after a long career in the forklift industry.

1985

The company moves from a small, rented facility in Rochdale to larger premises in Bury.

1991

Abbey takes the first steps to represent third-party material handling brands and is appointed the UK distributor for KOOI ReachForks.

1993

Vincent’s son, Paul joins the business.

2002

Growth drives a move to the current premises, initially 2,500 m2

2003

Abbey is appointed the UK distributor for Orlaco camera systems.

2008

Abbey is appointed the UK distributor for Ravas mobile weighing systems.

2013

The business continues to grow, and 500m2 additional warehouse space is built to house attachments for immediate hire.

2015

Paul Saunders takes over from Vincent as Managing Director.

2018

The facility is extended to 4400m2 and Abbey becomes a leading supplier to the UK forklift industry.

2020

Abbey adopts a strong focus on industry accident prevention by partnering with SEEN Safety. Paul’s son, Jacob joins the business.

2022

Abbey anticipates the transformation of the MH world by partnering with The Collective Intelligence Group, and Safety Shield to introduce SMART AI technology.

2023

The company rebrands as ‘Abbey’ to reflect the wider scope of operations: attachments and forklift safety solutions.

Where we've come from

Mission

Raising standards
in our industry.

Abbey is dedicated to improving safety, efficiency, and productivity in the UK forklift industry through the manufacture and supply of world-class material handling solutions, service excellence, and continuous improvement and innovation.

Where we are now

Culture

Our inside-out
approach.

We believe that getting things right on the inside makes it easier to deliver great service on the outside. Our culture sits on five pillars, and we call this the ‘Abbey Way.’

  • Communicate clearly
  • Do the right thing
  • Be caring
  • Put people first
  • Stay sharp
Communicate clearly Do the right thing Be caring Put people first Stay sharp
Communicate clearly Do the right thing Be caring Put people first Stay sharp

OUR EXPERTS

Meet some of our talented people.