MF unveils Kobelco jv mini at SED

This week's SED - the largest in the show's 29-year history - had plenty to offer visitors.

n MF Industrial, part of Fermec Holdings, surprised showgoers by unveiling its first mini excavator - the product of its joint venture with Japanese manufacturer Kobelco.

The MF 125, a Kobelco-built mini, badged as MF, will be available from January 1996. Mark Telleck, compact general manager, said: 'Once the relevant changes have been made to bring the product in line with the needs of the UK market, production levels in 1996 are expected to reach 1,200 units.'

n Thwaites and Barford Site Dumpers, part of Wordsworth Holdings, have ended their dumper design feud a year after the dispute arose. At last year's SED, Barford had to withdraw its new SX series of dumpers from the display following allegations by Thwaites that it had infringed copyright and design right.

David Whittaker, managing director of Thwaites, said at the show: 'The High Court actions against Wordsworth Holdings over copyright and design rights have now been settled. Without any admission of liability, Wordsworth has now agreed to pay an undisclosed sum to Thwaites as a contribution towards its legal costs incurred in this action. Thwaites recognises that the new Barford Site Dumpers do not infringe its rights.'

n This year is the first SED for recently appointed Case UK business director Malcolm Johnstone. He said: 'We're the largest exhibitor at SED '95 and its indicative of our intention to lead the industry by offering superior products and support systems to all our customers.'

n Within hours of the show starting, Aveling Barford concluded a deal with an independent quarryman, Cedric Gillson of Gillson and Sons for a new RD 40 rigid dumptruck - and a strong start to what turned out to be a particularly buoyant week.