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Forklift trucks are depended upon by a variety of different industries. From manufacturing to retail, a forklift always has a role to play in the smooth-runnings of their operations. According to the British industrial Truck Association (BITA), “over the last ten years, the UK forklift market has risen dramatically from a low in 2009 of 17,658 units to 2018’2 figure of over 35,300 units”, as of March 2019.
That essentially means that the forklift industry has experienced increased forklift sales of more than 50% and not everyone is buying the same make and model of forklift. Material Handling & Logistics wrote an article that details who the top ten forklift manufacturers were in recent times. According to them, the top ten are as follows:
- Toyota
- Linde
- Jungheinrich
- Mitsubishi
- Hyster
- Crown
- Heli
- Komatsu
- Hangcha
- Clark
As there’s been a significant increase in sales in recent years, it shows that an industry’s dependence on forklift trucks has never been more prevalent, which also shows how important they are when carrying out operations. So how paramount are forklifts, exactly, in the average supply chain?
What has caused such a surge in forklift sales?
As forklifts are becoming ever more diverse and versatile pieces of material handling equipment, it’s never been easier for a warehouse owner to acquire the right machine for them. Where some can lift great weights, others can reach impressive heights.
There’s more variety now than ever before
One forklift will be more suited to outdoor applications whereas others are emission-free and perfect for use indoors. With such a wide range of choice available, it’s no wonder that business owners from a variety of industries are starting to rely heavily on forklift trucks over other warehouse machinery.
Advertising is second-to-none
It could also be down to the manufacturers and their extensive advertising and exposure on several platforms. From adverts on the internet, television and radio to posters displayed in hardware stores and on the side of buses, if a forklift manufacturer has got their marketing right, they’ll soon be reeling in the customers.
Taxes & other duties don’t have to be paid in the UK or the EU when trading forklifts
Another contributing factor to an increase in forklift sales across the UK and EU could be that there are no taxes involved for the trading of forklifts, unlike other forklift markets, globally. Countries like Peru, Columbia and Chile all have to pay taxes and monetary duties if they wish to import forklifts, hence why the forklift sales have been far stronger and more consistent in EU countries and throughout the UK.
The EU is taking steps to reduce emissions
Thanks to an advancement in forklift technology, there are more eco-friendly forklift options now more than ever. With electric forklifts being increasingly popular amongst warehouse owners wishing to reduce their carbon footprints and LPG forklifts looking more attractive for the same reason, although the emissions they give off are extremely low as opposed to non-existent.
There’s a strong global growth in the industry
As a result of increased sales, a positive outlook is given for the material handling and forklift industry as a whole. It forecasts the strong global growth of the industry. It also highlights the importance of forklifts in the supply chain. Without the right equipment behind operations, it can have a knock-on effect on how the rest of your operations are executed.
Where the only way the forklift industry seems to be going is up, it’s imperative that the growth continues or, at the very least, remains consistent. As such, the supply chain will not be affected and work across many industries will be able to continue without any issues.
The economic impact of powered industrial forklifts overall
The economic impact of forklift production extends far beyond the manufacturing workshop floor. The exceptional demand for these heavy-duty, robust pieces of warehouse machinery has ensured operations, regardless of the industry, are performed and completed efficiently and in a timely manner each and every time, with the right forklift at the helm. As such, this helps to keep the economy going in more ways than one.
Forklifts play a key role in the supply chain. This is because business owners rely on forklifts to perform a number of tasks that workers would either struggle or fail to do themselves. Some of the jobs a company owner would rely on a forklift for includes, but is not limited to, the following:
- Lifting heavy loads
- Lifting large or oddly-shaped loads
- Reaching great heights
- To place heavy loads, even if it needs to be offloaded at a great height
- To transport heavy, large or oddly-shaped loads
- To transport heavy, large or oddly-shaped loads across even the roughest of terrain
Without forklifts, a business owner will see a great difference in efficiency and productivity of their operations and how well their most important tasks are executed. If operations slip, then so will the rest of the supply chain. This is why many business owners cannot afford to experience downtime, breakdowns or shutdowns when it comes to their forklifts. The longer their equipment is down for, the more it negatively impacts their operations. As such, forklifts are exceptionally important in the supply chain.
Multy Lift has over three decades of experience in the material handling industry, providing customers throughout the UK with high-quality new and used forklifts and other pieces of robust warehouse machinery. With extensive knowledge and expertise to draw upon, you’ll always be able to count on us here at Multy Lift for all of your material handling needs. For more information about the new and second-hand equipment we’re able to supply, the machines you can hire or the services we provide, get in touch with a member of our expert team today – we’re always happy to hear from you.
