Today’s Forklift News leads with an unsolicited takeover proposal in the lithium-ion forklift battery business, along with a narrow-aisle application delivering measurable storage gains, news from ENEROC USA, and a leadership change at CLARK Material Handling.
BATTERIES & BUSINESS | Flux Power Rejects Solidion Takeover Proposal
Forklift battery supplier Flux Power has rejected an unsolicited, non-binding acquisition proposal from Solidion Technology, saying the offer substantially undervalues the company.
Flux announced October 2 that its board unanimously rejected the proposal following a review with legal advisers. Solidion had publicly announced its intention to pursue an all-cash acquisition of Flux on September 30.
The response also provides a glimpse at Flux’s strategy beyond the takeover dispute. The company points to certification with a new major OEM in electric material handling, its SkyEMS 3.0 fleet intelligence platform and plans to pursue additional OEM and dealer relationships, including white-label battery solutions.
Flux also says it has entered the robotics market in collaboration with a large global technology company, although it has not identified the partner.
NARROW AISLE | Aisle Master User Says Narrow Aisles Added More Than 20% Storage
Australian skincare manufacturer Ego Pharmaceuticals says its use of articulated Aisle Master forklifts has increased storage capacity without requiring a larger building.
The company says an Aisle Master can operate in aisles of around 2.1 metres compared with more than 3.6 metres for a conventional reach truck or counterbalance forklift. Global Logistics Manager Michael Langford estimates the narrower aisles have added more than 20% to storage capability.
Ego now operates five Aisle Master forklifts across its Braeside manufacturing operation and Dandenong South distribution centre, with a sixth expected in early 2027. Its distribution centre holds more than 6,000 pallets.
There is also an interesting durability angle. Ego says the first battery-powered Aisle Master it acquired in 2005 remains in active daily use almost two decades later.
BATTERIES & CHARGING | ENEROC Lithium Batteries Gain Compatibility with CTI Forklift Chargers
ENEROC USA and Charging Technologies Inc. (CTI) have completed an integration allowing ENEROC lithium forklift batteries to communicate directly with compatible CTI industrial chargers.
The development could simplify lithium conversions for forklift fleets already using CTI equipment. ENEROC lithium iron phosphate batteries can communicate with lithium-capable CTI chargers equipped with CAN bus, potentially eliminating the need to replace existing chargers.
The integration allows the battery management system to communicate charging requirements, battery temperature and state of charge. The charger automatically adjusts its output and can reduce or stop charging when battery conditions require it.
Read the full story on Forklift Revolution
PEOPLE | CLARK Names Bob Martinolli Chief Operating Officer
CLARK Material Handling Company has promoted Bob Martinolli to chief operating officer, expanding his responsibilities to include manufacturing operations and engineering.
Martinolli joined CLARK in March 2026 as senior vice president of North American operations. His responsibilities have included supply chain efficiency, truck sales and aftermarket growth, distribution, strategy development and business systems integration.
His career includes leadership positions at Mitsubishi Caterpillar Forklift America, United Pipe & Steel, Gulf States Toyota and Ford Motor Company.
CLARK says the expanded role will place continued emphasis on execution, dealer support and profitable growth.
Source: CLARK Material Handling Company
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Forklift News Daily is a curated weekday briefing from ForkliftRevolution.net covering lift trucks, automation, batteries, safety, fleet management and the changing material handling industry.
