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Forklift truck maker Narrow Aisle is reporting an increase in new truck orders and an upturn in short term rental activity in the UK and mainland European markets.
The company, which makes the Flexi articulated truck, reckons that the forklift truck industry, which was one of the earliest sectors to feel the effects of the economic downturn, could be one of the first to emerge from the recession.
Sales and marketing director John Maguire said: “Non-standard economic indicators such as forklift truck sales figures are a good substitute for official figures, which have proved all too fallible. Rising forklift truck sales can be taken as a strong sign that industry is investing – and that the economy is therefore on the move.”
Narrow Aisle says there has been strong demand for its products from Europe. The company has recently delivered trucks for a number of high profile European retailers and manufacturers including French DIY giant Castorama and German automotive industry supplier Brose.
“The UK market is also showing signs of recovery with strong interest and a number of sizable orders recently signed.”
Maguire said: “The forklift market has clearly been impacted by the problems that the manufacturing sectors have had and it is difficult to predict how quickly the UK forklift truck market will recover but from the feedback we are getting it seems clear that companies are seeking solutions to reduce their outlay in materials handling and logistics and are seeking trucks and other handling equipment that will enable warehousing and distribution centre operations to operate more cost efficiently.”
