Mixed results in ITA survey
BANFF, Canada

Fewer than 40% of US industrial truck manufacturers expect to export US-produced products to China, but most anticipate partnering with Chinese forklift manufacturers to produce trucks in China. These were among the industry findings unveiled last week at the Industrial Truck Association autumn gathering in Banff, Canada.

More than 80% of suppliers will be seeking parts suppliers in China, up from last year’s prediction but slightly down from 2005.

Some manufacturers are concerned about the impact of Chinese-made forklift imports on the US market, with Classes 3, 4 and 5 most likely to be affected by imports.

Manitou’s Marcel Claude Braud provided an overview of a growing European forklift market, noting that 2006 was the best year ever in many markets. One exception is the UK, where 2007 is shaping up to be even stronger.

Other trends he highlighted were Spain’s overtaking of the UK market and “overheating growth” in Eastern Europe which has grown in five years from 5% to 15% of the European Union market share.

ITA’s annual business trends survey noted expectations for slowing sales in the US and Canada, with total retail orders falling from 207,919 in 2006 to 189,527 in 2007, bouncing back to a predicted 190,490 units in 2008.

Manufacturers identified production capacity, flexibility and growth potential as the main considerations for the selection of their suppliers.

Engineering support, exchange rates and component quality were also important factors in choosing suppliers.

The conference also heard about expectations that fuel cells will begin to dominate the market within five years, with many respondents seeing rapid growth in the next two to five years. Suppliers were almost equally divided about hybrid forklifts, with about half anticipating ready availability within five years.

There was more consensus on the development of an international standard for fast charging, with 70% seeing it as likely by 2012.

Exports for US equipment jump
MILWAUKEE, WI, United States
Exports of US-made construction equipment totalled USD8.2 billion for the first half of 2007, a 22% jump from last year, according to US Commerce Department data.

The Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) released the information after consolidating latest US Commerce Department data into a quarterly export trends report.

Asia is the highest growing export region for US construction equipment from January to June 2007. Exports there rose 67% to USD1.16 billion. China is the sixth-largest export destination, with a growth of 181% to USD319.5 million.

Europe imported 52% more US equipment (USD1.36 billion) while shipments to Canada rose 3% (USD2.6 billion).

Central America took delivery of 28% more US-made equipment (USD815 million), South America grew 14% (USD1.08 billion), Africa rose 37% (USD434 million) and Australia/Oceania gained 9% (USD719 million).

Top 10 export destinations for US construction equipment:

• Canada  (USD2.6 billion)
• Australia (USD696 million)
• Mexico (USD588 million)
• Chile (USD346 million)
• Belgium (USD331 million)
• China (USD319.5 million)
• South Africa (USD251 million)
• Venezuela (USD177 million)
• Germany (USD176 million)
• Russia (USD165 million)

Glacier Computer and RICO grow rapidly
AMHERST, NH and MEDINA, OH, United States

Forklift-mounted computer maker Glacier Computer has been included in Inc magazine’s list of the 5,000 fastest-growing US private companies.

Inc 5000 is an extension of the magazine’s annual Inc 500 list. The list was created to include smaller companies and “businesses too big to grow at the pace required to make the Inc 500”.

Companies have to be privately held and independent US-based companies as of December 31, 2006. They also need to have had at least USD200,000 in revenue in 2003 and USD2 million in 2006. The list measures revenue growth from 2003 to 2006.

According to Inc, the Midwest region of the USA led the list with 1,046 of the fastest-growing companies, the West followed with 884, the Southeast had 872, the Northeast, 782, and the Mid-Atlantic region, 606 companies.

The construction category was the largest, with 561 of Inc’s 5,000 companies in that category followed by manufacturing (515), IT services (466), business services (377) and advertising & IT (349).

Industries that reported the highest total revenue in 2006 are construction (USD27.1 billion), manufacturing (USD18.6 billion), health (USD13.1 billion), computers & electronics (USD12.7 billion) and financial services (USD11.8 billion).

Separately in Ohio, the Weatherhead School of Management at Case Western Reserve University presented heavy forklift manufacturer BPR/RICO Equipment with a Weatherhead 100 award.

The annual Weatherhead 100 award honours the 100 fastest-growing companies in northeast Ohio.

RICO spokesperson Danell Durica credits the company’s latest product introduction for the growth that won the award.

“[The Pegasus series] broadened RICO’s customer base by expanding existing lines offered – the QDC die/mould handlers, explosion proof series and various specialty materials handling trucks,” he explains.

Introduced in 2003, the series of IC and electric counterbalanced forklifts, designed for mill duty, come in capacities ranging from 15,000lbs to 100,000lbs (6,803.9kg to 45,359.2kg).

RICO’s expanded product line and orders triggered a USD3 million development project that increased its workspace to 160,000sqf (14,864.5sqm) and raised employee numbers by 33% since January 2005.  This year, Medina County Economic Development Corp presented its Capital Investment Award to RICO in honour of the positive results of its capital investment.

Office can be cool
FARMINGTON HILLS, MI, United States

Ice cream socials, ‘Sports Apparel Day’, sponsored health programs and an onsite barber are just some of the reasons Jervis B Webb Company is a great place to work.

The materials handling company, established in 1919 and employer to over 1,000 in US and overseas, has been selected by the American Society of Employers (ASE) as one of Michigan’s 2007 ‘Cool Places to Work’.

Susan M Webb, company president & CEO, says the company believes in taking care of its “greatest assets”.

“We have worked diligently to not only attract the best talent but also provide a positive environment that fosters creativity and high quality productivity.”

The company’s employee-friendly policies must work as the average employee tenure is 15 years and some have been there for decades.

Webb’s incentives for its 500 Michigan employees include ice cream socials, lunchtime cookouts and special afternoon treats. There is also an onsite barber and a weekly massage service. Other perks include free sporting event tickets and concert ticket discounts.

But what is perhaps most revealing of the company’s care for its greatest assets is its sponsorship of health programs.

Workers interested in healthier living can take advantage of the company’s full-cost sponsorship of the American Lung Association’s “Freedom from Smoking” program and the company undertakes half the registration fee of the “Weight Watchers at Work” program.

Employees are encouraged to join the American Cancer Society’s annual “Making Strides Against Breast Cancer” walk and those who are interested can go for free CPR training.

On “Sports Apparel Day”, employees come to work in their favourite sporting team’s jersey. Team-building and social functions include a company-sponsored golf league, a bowling league, employee hockey games and whirly ball and volleyball tournaments.

Privately owned Jervis B Webb Company designs, engineers and installs integrated systems used in the warehousing, manufacturing, airport, beverage and automotive industries. It has manufacturing locations in US, Canada, India and China.

The ASE of Southfield, Michigan, is one of the US’s oldest and largest human resources-related organisations. It evaluates Michigan companies on their work policies, benefits and “talent management” practices. Sixty companies were designated “cool places to work” and ranked according to company size.

Jungheinrich launches green forklift
HAMBURG, Germany

Jungheinrich AG is launching a new hydrostatic IC engine forklift that will roll off its Moosburg assembly line in December.

The VFG 425-435s forklifts have Volkswagen motors, Bosch Rexroth variable displacement pumps and wheel motors, and are controlled by Jungheinrich-made software. They can carry up to 3,500kg (7,716.2lbs) and stack up to 7.5 metres (24.6 feet).

Tobias Harzer, Jungheinrich Moosburg GmbH’s head of product management and marketing, says the forklift is suitable for “so-called reversing options”, for example, when lorries are loaded and offloaded.

Hydrostatic drive technology enables travel and hydraulic processes to be implemented directly. By pressing a button, the operator can choose five predefined work programs from energy saving mode to maximum throughput to adapt to the forklift application.

Jungheinrich says the forklifts benefit from the automobile industry’s advantages with the Volkswagen motors. The forklift’s engine is “very quiet” and has low energy consumption and low emissions.

Harzer praises the ergonomic design of the VFG4250435s for contributing to higher productivity.

“If the operator not only feels safe but also [feels] good on the trucks, this reflects … on the truck’s efficiency.”

The forklift has an electrically activated parking brake, a start button similar to newer cars and a duo-adjustable, slim steering column with memory function.

He boasts the vibration values of the forklift were equivalent to the lowest values of Jungheinrich’s electric stackers.

The forklifts will be available in 11 European countries by the end of the year or early next year, a Jungheinrich spokesperson says.

Briefs

Calculator compares forklift cost
RICHMOND, VA, United States
Jungheinrich Lift Truck Corp is helping forklift buyers compare the advantages of an AC electric forklift with an internal combustion engine forklift by offering a free web-based tool.

By keying in the required information into the web-based “calculator”, forklift buyers can view a cost comparison between the forklift technologies and the overall savings that can be realised.

The tool calculates total cost of ownership of various forklifts over a five-year period. It considers average recent costs for maintenance and batteries and current standard costs for electricity and fuel, by state.

To use the calculator go to: www.lift-truck-cost-tool.com.

Hyster theft reported
NEW YORK, NY, United States
A Hyster H-40 warehouse forklift is among the list of stolen machines reported to National Equipment Register (NER) in the past two months.

The forklift with the PIN E001H02747B was stolen from Texas, US.

If you have information, call NER’s 24-hour tip line at 1-866 637 8477.

Short-listed for safety award
Netherlands
Akzo Nobel Coatings, Intel and Intervet have been short-listed to win an award for the safest warehouse.

Logistiek.nl’s report says Intel’s Schiphol-Rijk distribution centre, Akzo Nobel Coatings’ Wapenveld warehouse and Intervet’s Boxmeer premises have all prioritised safety.

The award winner will be announced in Diemen on 6 November.

Organisers for the event include BMWT, VTL, Transport+Opslag and Randstad.

Search 4083 listings in the MarketplaceSample of used equipment for sale:

Yale	GLP050	2000	Canada	USD 12200	Details
Still	R70-45	1995	Netherlands	EUR 7000	Details
Gradall	524D-3S	2001	United States	USD 28000	Details
Cascade	BALE CLAMP	> 5 years	Australia	AUD 3000	Details
Toyota	6BNCU15	1999	United States	USD 7950	Details
Hyster	H1.75XBX	2001	New Zealand	NZD 11500	Details
Skytrak	8042	2000	United States	USD 32000	Details
Linde	E 15 324	1991	Germany	EUR 3250	Details
Linde	E 25 336	1995	Germany	EUR 4950	Details
Hyster	H 3.00 XM	1997	United Kingdom	GBP 4950	Details
Crown	CG25E-3	> 10 years	New Zealand	NZD 16000	Details
Loc	EU.130.FR560	2000	Germany	EUR 1450	Details
Lull	644E-42	2006	United States	USD 58000	Details
Linde	E 16 C-02 335	2001	Germany	EUR 5750	Details

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Maersk and Jones buy Hoist P-Series forklifts
BEDFORD PARK, IL, United States

Maersk has ordered a 36,000lb (16.3 tonne) Hoist P-Series pneumatic forklift for its Terminal Island, California facility.

The P360 will be built on a 115-inch (2.9-metre) wheelbase with a 36-inch (0.9-metre) load centre and feature among other things a Cummins 6.7L turbocharged diesel engine, a Dana 32,000 automatic transmission, AxleTech heavy-duty drive axle and wet disc brakes.

The order comes in the wake of Jones Stevedoring Company’s purchase of two 80,000lb (36.3 tonne) P-Series pneumatic forklifts for its Portland location. The P800s will be the largest Hoist pneumatic forklift with a 170-inch (4.3-metre) wheelbase and 48-inch (1.2-metre) load centre. The forklifts will have the same features as Maersk’s P360 but will be powered by a Cummins QSM11 diesel engine and have a removable counterweight.

TCM wants to grow Europe sales
TOKYO, Japan

TCM Corp is expanding its forklift and small construction machinery business in Europe with more sales agents and a new Moscow office.

According to Asia Pulse, TCM will assign staff solely responsible for the German market to its European subsidiary in Belgium. It plans to recruit 50 agents selling its forklifts and skid steer loaders in Germany by the end of the fiscal year.

A Moscow office, staffed by two employees to provide technical and sales support, is expected to be established next year.

TCM Corp representatives were unavailable to provide more details this week.

Movers & Shakers

FARMINGTON HILLS, MI, United States
Jervis B Webb Company has appointed Margaret Murdock as executive director of automated systems and controls. Murdock was director of engineering for Pro-face America, the North American headquarters for Japanese-based Digital Electronics Corp. Before that, she was director of operations for Nematron Corp.

MILWAUKEE, WI, United States
AEM has appointed Anne Forristall Luke as vice president of government affairs at its Washington, DC, office. She was most recently president of the US Tuna Foundation, representing the US canned tuna processing industry’s domestic and international business interests. Luke has over 25 years of Washington government relations and public affairs experience in public and private sectors.

Forklift saves horse
United Kingdom

A forklift helped rescue a horse trapped in a water-logged ditch

Workers at a nearby industrial estate first spotted the horse trapped in a ditch behind Oikos Terminal in Wharf Haven Road on Canvey Island, Echo newspaper reported.

Firefighters put straps around the animal to haul it to safety.

After struggling to keep the horse’s head above the water, the firefighters finally used a forklift to carry it to safety.

Snubbed SCLAA launches its own NSW division
SYDNEY, New South Wales, Australia

The Supply Chain and Logistics Association of Australia (SCLAA) will officially launch its New South Wales division on 28 September.

Headed by Bill Henman of the College of Warehousing, the new division is in direct competition with rival organisation, NSW-based Logistics Association of Australia, from which the SCLAA originated.

Henman tells Forkliftaction.com News that over the past two years, significant attempts have been made by the SCLAA to unite with the LAA, but to no avail.

“We took a decision two years ago to form a national body under which the various state divisions would unite, but the NSW branch of the LAA preferred to remain separate from us. As a result, we changed our name in 2006 to the Supply Chain and Logistics Association of Australia and moved forward with our plans to become a cohesive and focused national organisation, with a constitution based on the common good of the entire logistics and distribution industry.

“We’ve had two mediations in the last year in an attempt to join forces with the LAA in New South Wales, but they’ve been rejected.

“Our mandate is to unite the industry throughout the country and therefore, we’ve now set up our own division of SCLAA in New South Wales which provides an opportunity to many companies within the industry to become part of a broader national body,” he explains.

Among the upcoming events planned by the SCLAA NSW is a forklift driving competition, which is open to all individuals and teams. “The major criteria will be safety, OHS knowledge, eye-hand coordination and driving skills,” says Henman, adding that female operators will also be strongly encouraged to take part.

The first heat for the 2007 competition takes place in November, the second heat will be held in February 2008 and the third round in March of that year. The finals will be held in Homebush, New South Wales on day three of the Matex conference in April 2008.

"Unfair" sacking for breaching safety rules!
NEW SOUTH WALES, Australia

Courts and industrial tribunals have long held that serious breaches of safety rules are grounds for dismissal, writes Glen Bartlett.

A recent NSW case found that a dismissal for breaching a "cardinal rule" twice within three weeks was unfair, providing a reminder of the need to consider all the circumstances prior to terminating employment.

According to the case, the plaintiff, ‘Leonard’, had been an employee of a manufacturing company.

The company has a set of safety rules, known as "Cardinal Rules", that were displayed on notice boards. They require employees to ensure their actions will not cause injury to others, by following isolation procedures and not doing anything unsafe. There was a warning that breach of these rules would result in disciplinary action. However, there was no clear indication about the penalty.

The company had identified forklift safety as a high priority due to the level of injuries and fatalities suffered and particularly the risk to pedestrians in areas where forklifts were in operation. An exclusion zone was created: when a forklift was operating, no pedestrian was permitted to enter and when a pedestrian was in the zone, no forklift could enter.

On 25 January 2007, Leonard entered an exclusion zone while a forklift was operating. Both Leonard and the forklift operator knew where each other was and there was no real risk of injury. He was suspended for the remainder of his shift.

On 8 February, the matter was discussed at an occupational safety committee meeting and the following day chains were placed on a walkway to prevent pedestrians from entering if the exclusion zone was in force.

Leonard walked through the exclusion zone on 9 February because he urgently needed to go to the toilet. The forklift was technically not operating at the time, but the area was chained off. He was suspended and subsequently dismissed.

In considering the unfair dismissal application, the Commissioner noted that he was reluctant to intervene when it was clear that safety was taken very seriously by the company. However, the Commissioner did not regard Leonard’s actions as serious enough to warrant dismissal and ordered reinstatement.

The Commissioner found that Leonard was never in any real danger and was not technically in breach of the Cardinal Rules at all, because the forklift was not operating at the time. Although he entered the exclusion zone, the machine was not "in operation". In considering the appropriate discipline, the employer should have taken into account: the seriousness of the breach; the circumstances in which the breach occurred (in this case Leonard's obvious discomfort from suffering diarrhoea and his need to urgently use a toilet - the most accessible of which was cordoned off by the exclusion zone); and Leonard’s record of satisfactory service.

Serious breaches of safety rules can result in a fair dismissal. When a breach of a safety rule occurs, it is necessary to consider the nature of the breach, its seriousness, any mitigating factors and what the appropriate consequences are for the employee.
Employers seeking to provide safe systems of work will be required to impose some sanctions for breaching safety rules. Careful consideration should be given to the options available to employers and employers should make sure that the penalty fits the crime.

This article by Glen Bartlett, a partner in law firm, Clayton Utz, first appeared on Mondaq (http://www.mondaq.com.au/article.asp?articleid=52082)

New laws to shield small businesses
Australia

Australian small business will have greater protection from unfair competition by their bigger rivals under new laws passed by the Senate on Tuesday.

The amendments to the Trade Practices Act will strengthen provisions preventing the misuse of market power and clarify laws on predatory pricing.

The government amended the legislation so that a corporation with a substantial share of a market cannot supply goods or services below cost for a sustained period in order to eliminate or damage a competitor.

Under existing law, the protection does not apply where the supply or acquisition of goods is worth more than $3 million. The threshold will be raised to $10 million.

Combilift avoids the crush
MELBOURNE, Victoria, Australia

It’s an all too familiar headline: ‘Forklift driver crushed by falling load’. However, safety can be dramatically improved through the use of a specialised multi-directional forklift specifically designed for handling long loads in confined areas.

The latest of these specialised forklifts to be launched on the Australian market is the Combilift C4800L from Combilift Australia.

This semi–rough terrain forklift is designed to handle long loads in narrow environments such as timber and steel yards.

With larger solid pneumatic tyres, it is especially suited to unpaved yards and semi-rough terrain including snowy conditions, and offers added suspension for more comfortable material handling for the operator.  An extra 150 mm in cab size allows for better operator ergonomics and comfort.  This forklift is suited to outdoor and indoor environments.

Len Pulford, national sales manager, tells Forkliftaction.com News that falling loads can occur when a conventional forklift is used to carry long loads across the tynes.

“Visualise the danger involved if a 10m long load had to rotate 90 degrees in a factory or yard,” he comments.

When elevated, the load can become unstable due to the small area of support provided by the tynes. Unstable loads can fall, causing major damage to pedestrians, operators, plant and equipment and can also lead to the forklift falling over on its side.

“With Combilift, long loads are carried on a deck or platform 500mm from the ground. With a lower centre of gravity and excellent visibility from the operator’s compartment, the Combilift provides a much safer working environment.

“The four-way multi–directional design of the Combilift enables the operator to approach a load as he would with a conventional forklift, reach the tynes out to the load as does a reach truck, lift the load and retract it back onto the load bed.

“When the load is on the deck, the operator selects the direction of travel by using a joystick control lever. All three wheels turn 90 degrees when changing direction and when sideloader mode is selected, very long loads can be moved along two-metre wide aisles. Loads remain at almost ground level in a stable situation.

“This is the complete opposite to the way a conventional forklift would operate,” Pulford concludes.

The Combilift range of forklifts is available from Combilift Australia, which provides engine and battery electric powered forklifts.

The Combilift has established itself as the top selling multi-directional forklift in the country with over 240 Combilifts working throughout Australia in the timber, steel, plastic pipe, plasterboard and window industries.

Australia is safest for business in Asia Pacific
Australia

Australia has taken the number one spot as the safest country to do business in the Asia Pacific region, while ranking second behind Switzerland on a global scale.
  
New research from business information provider Dun & Bradstreet has ranked Australia above its Asia Pacific neighbours, including Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore and New Zealand.

Dun & Bradstreet chief executive Christine Christian says Australia's ranking on the Global Risk Indicator is a positive at a time when recent US credit events are affecting economies across the globe.

"The recent US credit turmoil is having a global impact, with all regions buffeted by the resulting credit squeeze," reports Christian.

"Apart from a weakening of the Australian currency in August, the Australian economy has continued to prosper, meaning that no significant action has been required by the Reserve Bank to bolster confidence during this squeeze."

Dun & Bradstreet forecasts that economic growth will reach 3.6%in 2007, declining to 3% in 2008, while inflation is expected to reach 2.7% and 2.9% in 2007 and 2008, respectively.

Despite the positive outlook, Dun & Bradstreet warns that upward pressure on inflation could lead to another interest rate rise before the end of 2007.

Speedshield…the cutting edge management tool for fleet managers

We all want to make money, save money, or improve the bottom line. We need to make our forklifts more efficient and help our drivers get better use of their time and become more productive. We need to stop accidents from happening; we need a safe working environment.  Safety does not happen by accident!  Safety, like profitability, is by design and implemented as planned.  That is what “Speedshield” is all about.

Click here for the full text of this release, including pictures.

EnerSys looks to the East

With the acquisition last May of a Bulgarian battery manufacturer, Energia AD, EnerSys, the global leader in industrial batteries, demonstrates that it wants to play a predominant role on the fast growing markets in Eastern Europe and Russia. EnerSys adds this production capability to that of its Polish plant, which has achieved a dramatic increase in production volumes in recent years.

Click here for the full text of this release, including pictures.

From software to aerial platforms: new at TVH - Group Thermote & Vanhalst

The TVH e-commerce team presents the new TVH Quick Source version 5.2, with several brand-new functions and from now on also available in Polish, Czech and Romanian.

Furthermore the aerial platforms department is working hard on earning a position as an established value in the sector.  The vast range and the new catalogues certainly contribute to this.

Click here for the full text of this release, including pictures.

The domain (name) Forklifts.com and .org is for sale!

We are seeking expressions of interest to confidentially purchase
the domains Forklifts.com and Forklifts.org as a package
"prior to" the scheduled auction December, 2007.

Click here for the full text of this release, including pictures.

Improving the best – the new fork positioner programme from Meyer

Hans H. Meyer GmbH introduces a modified build of the successful series 6-2400N and offers a new, complete programme especially suitable for full-service and arduous working conditions.

Click here for the full text of this release, including pictures.

Free Web Tool Compares Total Cost Of Ownership Of Various Lift Trucks

Jungheinrich Lift Truck Corporation is now making available a free, simple-to-use web tool for calculating the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) associated with various kinds of forklifts.

Click here for the full text of this release, including pictures.

New High Quality Range Of Fork Tines Reaches The Australian Market

TVH Australasia has introduced their new range of hook type fork tines in Classes 2, 3 & 4 and are more than pleased with the reaction to this high quality, well priced product.

Click here for the full text of this release, including pictures.

Bolzoni Auramo Lift Tables Land In America

Bolzoni Auramo launches its new Lift Table range in the North American markets. The addition of Lift Tables increases Bolzoni Auramo’s product offerings of material handling equipment manufactured and sold in the US and Canada.

Click here for the full text of this release, including pictures.

Dock Boards…every Dock needs a “Speedy Board”

The Bluff "Speedy Board" allows the forklift driver to move, set in place and retrieve the dockboard without leaving the seat of the forklift.

Click here for more information on this product, including pictures.

Made In Italy - New products from PEGASO LIFT

have announced the release of the WAVE T13, WAVE12, Ph, TPL and PL series pallet trucks and stackers. The range of units are available for light uses through to large professional use with load capacities 3000kg.

Click here for more information on this product, including pictures.

UK members network over eagles and birdies
SUNNINGHILL, United Kingdom

More than 60 of UK materials handling industry members united last week pursuing eagles, birdies, holes-in-one and, of course, refreshments at the 19th hole.

Click here for the full Fork Talk feature, including pictures.

Gary Fairchild, Yale Materials Handling – Green Bay
MINNESOTA, WI

Gary Fairchild, 55, is the president and owner of one of Yale’s leading forklift dealerships. The keen sportsman joined the forklift industry through a sporting partner 32 years ago. He says John Steinbach taught him all about forklifts.

Click here for the full Industry Profile feature, including pictures.

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