George and Irene Bell, the founders of B&B Attachments Ltd

Northumberland-based B&B Attachments Ltd, a forklift truck attachment specialist, was established in December 1980 by George and Irene Bell with the aim of making a living and paying their mortgage.

However, such was the success of the company, that the founders soon realised that they had to make the company the 'go to’ in the industry and set about employing the best people in the business to achieve their goal.

This year marks B&B’s 40th year in business — four decades of providing quality forklift truck attachments, masts and ancillary systems to the UK and Ireland markets. The company's reputation is built on its ability to solve material handling tasks by supplying well-engineered, quality products, and maintaining them through the course of their working lives.

Today, B&B also designs and manufactures bespoke, specialist attachments in-house for its global customers with unique requirements.

Managing director and first employee of B&B Attachments Mike Barton said: “B&B has changed so much over the years, but one thing it has continued to do is expand its product range to reflect the ongoing commitment to delivering innovative, cost-effective solutions to industry.

Our success and longevity is due in part to the capabilities and continuous improvements of our products, but I think what has made us the most successful over the past 40 years, is truly taking the time to understand individual customer’s needs.”

He concluded: “We greatly appreciate the support of all our customers and staff, both past and present, who have helped B&B thrive during the past 40 years, without them we would not be where we are today.”