More than 26,800 forklift trucks were sold in the UK in the 12 months to June according to the British Industrial Truck Association.
This sales figure represents growth of more than 10% for the year
BITA, the sole provider of industrial truck sales statistics in the UK, reports that the strongest sales were made in counterbalance rather than warehouse trucks. Sales of counterbalance trucks increased by 13.6% to 13,450 units.
This growth was prompted by renewed investment, particularly from the manufacturing and building supply sectors. Another reason for the surge has been attributed to a refreshing of hire fleets by forklift truck suppliers.
The increase in sales volumes means that figures are two-thirds of the way back to pre-recessionary levels says BITA.
James Clark, secretary general of BITA, said: “The main impression is that the UK market continues to show the steady growth which has been a consistent feature since the recessionary low point of December 2009.”
To find out about the latest developments in fork lift truck technologies and other materials handling solutions follow TM’s coverage of IMHX 2013.
Coverage will feature in the December/January, February and April editions of TM. Coverage will include previews of product launches scheduled for the show, insight into advances in automated materials handling solutions and information on the value add to be gained by manufacturers through invesmtent in these.
TM is media partner to IMHX, the UK’s leading materials handling exhibition.
The 2013 event is to be held from March 19-22, 2013.
