45+ Years in Forklifts: The Davison Forklift Story
When John Davison founded what would become Davison Forklift Ltd, he was not setting out to build a business — he was solving a problem. That spirit of practical, no-nonsense problem-solving has stayed with us ever since.
How it began
John Davison founded the company in the mid-1960s out of frustration. As the owner of Ablow Plating, a metal finishing business, he found it impossible to source a suitable forklift for his own operation. Rather than accept the limitations of what was available, he set out to find a better solution — and in doing so, discovered that many other businesses faced the same challenge.
The forklift business grew steadily through the 1970s under John’s guidance. In 1976, it was formally incorporated as Davison Forklift Ltd — a milestone that marked the company’s growth from a practical side venture into a standalone business.
Building a reputation in the West Midlands
Through the 1980s and 1990s, Davison Forklift built a strong reputation across the West Midlands and Shropshire as a reliable, knowledgeable local supplier. We became authorised dealers for leading manufacturers and invested in a fully equipped workshop to provide servicing, repairs, and reconditioning.
The business was founded on a simple principle: give customers honest advice, back it up with reliable service, and be there when things go wrong. That has not changed.
What we offer today
Today, Davison Forklift Ltd is one of the most experienced independent forklift specialists in the region. We offer:
- New forklift sales — as authorised dealers for Clark and Ausa
- Used forklift sales — inspected, serviced, and ready to work
- Forklift hire — short-term, long-term, and contract hire
- Lease purchase and lease rental finance packages
- Servicing and maintenance for all makes and models
- LOLER thorough examinations and repairs
- Parts supply for all major manufacturers
- Workshop reconditioning and refurbishment
Our team
Our engineers have decades of combined experience on all major forklift brands. Whether they are carrying out a pre-delivery inspection, a complex rebuild, or a rapid-response breakdown, the standard is the same: do it properly, stand behind the work, and keep the customer’s operation moving.
Our coverage area
We are based in the West Midlands with workshop facilities in Wolverhampton and Telford. We serve customers across Shropshire, Staffordshire, Birmingham, Coventry, and the wider UK.
Get in touch
Whether you need a forklift today or want to discuss your fleet requirements for the year ahead, we would be glad to hear from you. Call 01952 915 060 or contact us through the website.