Market overview
April 1st 2006 The market for forklift trucks in 2005 was notable for a number of reasons - the market for diesel counterbalance trucks fell, while orders for electric warehouse trucks were at an all time high. BITA gives an overview
According to BITA (the British Industrial Truck Association), which represents the UK's materials handling industry, the market for forklift trucks in 2005 was notable for a number of reasons. It was a record year for unit orders of electric warehouse trucks. Over 15,200 were ordered from BITA members, an increase of 4.3% on 2004, which itself was a record year. Electric warehouse trucks now comprise 49.1% of all forklift trucks ordered in the UK, the highest proportion recorded in a single year.
2005 also saw a record year for low-level order pickers. Over 2600 were ordered, which represents 8.5% of the total UK fork truck market. This indicates continuing strong demand from the retail and wholesale distribution sectors.
The market for diesel counterbalance trucks fell by 17.3% during 2005. Although this represents a significant decline on 2004, longer-term trends suggest that that the market for diesel CBs has returned to what might be regarded as a normal, underlying level of broadly 5,500 units per year after two years of exceptional and unprecedented growth.
The number of electric counterbalance trucks ordered from BITA members in 2005 exceeded the number of diesel-powered trucks for the first time, if only by 17 units.
Looking ahead to 2006, it is difficult to predict the likely strength of the UK fork truck market. The current business climate indicates that the combination of high material and fuel costs and a relatively low level of business investment could depress the number of forklift trucks ordered in the UK. Alternatively, the very same factors will give the imaginative forklift truck supplier the opportunity to demonstrate, for example, cost savings through more efficient products and handling processes, and added value through improved truck reliability and good cost control data.
BITA has many objectives. Foremost is always to consider, and when necessary take action, on all matters of interest to the UK's industrial truck industry. BITA aims to promote and extend the use of its members' products both at home and abroad, and to improve the way industrial trucks are used in the UK, with a particular emphasis on safety and efficiency.
Thorough examination
In a move hailed as its biggest safety advance in many years, the UK materials handling industry last year unveiled a definitive new national scheme for the thorough examination of forklift trucks.
Similar in many ways to a car MOT test, but much more stringent, thorough examination is distinct from any maintenance procedure and is a legal requirement that applies to every forklift truck in service, including hired trucks.
This breakthrough in safety testing was possible thanks to an historic collaborative venture between BITA and the Fork Lift Truck Association (FLTA). Working together as Consolidated Fork Truck Services, and in cooperation with the Health and Safety Executive, BITA put 18 months of hard effort into producing a practical and effective package that ensures a high standard and consistency in the performance of thorough examination.
Documentation associated with the CFTS scheme bears a quality mark featuring a symbolic 'forklift tick'. This also appears on a special sticker applied to every truck passing the examination. Only companies accredited to the scheme are allowed to use the certification and quality mark. To become accredited, companies have to demonstrate that they have the capability and commitment to adhere to the strict CFTS Quality Assurance Procedural Code.
Steve Hodkinson comments, "We now have over 150 companies accredited to the scheme. The CFTS method of complying with the legal obligations under LOLER and PUWER is fast becoming recognised as the gold standard. We set it up to make compliance at the highest standard easy for truck users, and it is proving successful. Endusers are now demanding the CFTS thorough examination standard, which guarantees them legislative compliance, from their materials handling suppliers. We think we've made a real difference to health and safety in the UK, and the effect will continue to grow."
What is BITA?
BITA is a key industry body for the materials handling industry. An association of UK companies that have an interest in the use of industrial trucks, it was established over fifty years ago. Since then, it has become the point of reference in the UK for best practice in the use of forklift trucks and is actively engaged in improving the status of the industrial truck as an essential tool of industry by promoting efficiency and safety in truck design, manufacture, and use.
Membership
BITA has three types of member: - Truck Suppliers Group (TSG)â€"UK truck manufacturers and importers
- Component and Services Group (CSG)â€" suppliers of equipment and services to UK truck manufacturers and importers
- Truck User Group (TUG)â€"UK truck users
Publications
BITA acts as a forum for cooperation between relevant companies and bodies in the establishment of technical standards, by the promotion of research, and by the publication of comprehensive operator safety codes and authoritative guidance notes. These documents are written by BITA's Technical Policy Committee (TPC), which is formed from senior engineers from the TSG and CSG. The committee decides the Association's technical policy, and hears reports by, and allocates work to, its subcommittees, working groups, and its representatives on external committees.
Careers
BITA also aims to expand knowledge of the industry and encourage training for those who work in it, and promote the industry to people looking for a rewarding career. In order to attract students to the materials handling industry and maintain a qualified workforce, BITA is running an on-going programme of activities to raise awareness of the wide range of career opportunities available to school and college leavers. BITA has established links with some 450 careers advisers and has produced promotional material to back the campaign. Members are encouraged to get involved with the Student Connection Service, which allows students to submit their CVs for circulation to BITA members. Students receive a bulletin with careers information, job vacancies, and further advice on how to get into the industry. For more information check out the website at www.bita.org.uk
Technical work
BITA works with kindred organisations at home and abroad, such as the Federation Européenne de la Manutention (FEM) and the ITA in the USA, recognising the importance of increasingly global standards in a unifying marketplace. In such negotiations BITA always works to achieve the goals of its members. In the FEM BITA works in close cooperation with 14 other member countries to establish standards and produce technical data to the benefit of the industry. BITA is a member of FEM through its membership of the British Materials Handling Federation (BMHF). BITA is also represented at the British Standards Institution (BSI), the European Committee for Standardisation (CEN), the European Committee for Electro-technical Standardisation (CENELEC), the International Standards Organisation (ISO), and the International Electro-technical Commission (IEC). BITA maintains close contact with the Department of Trade and Industry, the Department for Transport, the Health and Safety Executive, and several other organisations, associations, boards, and institutions.
Its technical helpline is open to all members and is an invaluable source of information and advice on how to comply with current and pending legislation and standards, for both truck suppliers and users.
Statistics
BITA also collects and disseminates information on trade opportunities for its members and provides comprehensive statistical data on the UK's industrial truck market each month.
Exhibitions
BITA promotes the contribution of its members to the UK economy at every opportunity, and pursues their best interests in matters of publicity, including exhibitions; BITA is a co-owner of the UK's big handling and storage show, the International Materials Handling Exhibition (IMHX).
IMHX is the UK's largest comprehensive event for the handling and storage industry and takes place every three years in a cycle coordinated with CeMAT in Germany and Manutention in France. More articles from BITA: | 
