A forklift hire firm has closed its home of more than 30 years and moved to Kent.

Linde Material Handling UK has relocated to a new depot at The Interchange in Swanley after previously being based in Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire.

Linde is an international leader in material handling equipment such as forklifts and it is hoped the new location, next to the M25, will strengthen its local network and better serve its customers in the region.

It follows an increase in demand in the short-term rental market for such vehicles.

The new depot was officially opened on July 11 by the Mayor of Swanley Councillor Rita Wood, Linde managing director Craig Williamson and Linde senior director Dean Vann.

It has employed 60 people including workshop and field service engineers and administrative staff. The company is in the process of hiring five workshop engineers.

Linde will be offering a nationwide delivery service for its short-term truck rentals.

It will also be offering a pay as you go option for local short-term rentals which means customers located nearby will be able to pay for the service by the hour.

Managing director of Linde Craig Williamson said: “We’re delighted to become part of the Swanley community and the location, so close to the M25, is perfect for our growth ambitions in the short-term rental market which is a vitally important and growing part of our business in the UK.

“We look forward to serving the evolving needs of local and national companies from our new facility in the town.

“Short term rentals have proved extremely popular for supporting customers’ when they have business peaks, such as the retail sector in the lead up to Christmas, as well as for one off specific requirements where investment in a dedicated fleet does not make commercial sense.”