Encouraging perspectives for the European materials handling industry
Following a black year 2009, which saw an average 30% drop in order intakes in the European materials handling industry with some countries experiencing a much greater loss, the recovery that started at the end of 2009 is consolidating. Although some uncertainty remains in the medium term, the current trend is promising.
In 2009, the six Product Groups that FEM represents actively all suffered double-figure drops in sales. In hard figures, industrial trucks have seen sales drop by up to 40%; mobile elevating work platforms between 65% and 70%; racking and shelving up to 40%, elevating equipment between 35% and 40%; cranes and lifting equipment between 40% and 50% and intralogistic systems up to 20%.
The timid recovery witnessed at the end of the year gave some cautious hope for 2010. The first 6 months confirmed the positive impression and the fact that the economy is picking up. Order intakes have been increasing regularly, some product groups showing particularly good results. Industrial trucks, for instance, experienced a significant market recovery in 2010 with a market volume increase of some 74% in the first 4 months.
FEM companies generally have positive prospects for the coming months. FEM President Philippe Frantz, said: “After a historical economic downturn during which we experienced unprecedented drops, we can start looking at the future with some optimism. We must wait until the end of the year to have more certainties but the current signs are definitely encouraging”.
(Press release of FEM)
For further information, please contact FEM Secretariat:
Tel.: +32 (0) 2 706 82 37
Web: www.fem-eur.com