Forklift sales up in 2010 as economy rebounded
February 1st 2011

BITA says forklift sales rose by 24% in 2010, marking the first annual rise for three years.

Based on the latest figures from BITA’s UK forklift sales statistics, engine powered counterbalance trucks, which make up 32% of the overall market, experienced the biggest increase in 2010, with orders increasing by 30%. This equates to an increase of 29% and 32% for diesel and LPG trucks respectively.

Electric-powered rider warehouse equipment, dominated by reach trucks, enjoyed an increase in sales orders of 29%, and electric powered counterbalanced trucks orders rose by 22% in 2010. Pedestrian trucks increased by 15%.

James Clark, secretary general of BITA, said: “Although economic indicators are still mixed, the latest statistics are consolidating our optimism for a steady increase in sales orders across all forklift categories throughout 2011.”

The increase in sales is partly due to the UK’s emergence from a recession in the latter period of 2009; however BITA had already seen evidence of a recovery in the lift-truck market during the months preceding this point.

Clark explained: “BITA’s 2010 UK Forklift Truck Market Outlook noted evidence of a rebound in manufacturing activity during Q3 and Q4 2009, due to an increase in exports and restocking. The service sector had also begun to rise again, which gave reason to expect a positive outlook throughout 2010 for the industry as a whole.”

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