Phil Bastow

Barloworld Handling has reported double-digit improvements in revenue for its UK, Europe and Southern African operations, and a return to operating profits.

The world's largest independent forklift distributor's divisional revenue rose 15% from the previous year's ZAR4.1 billion (USD511 million) to ZAR4.7 billion (USD587 million) for the year ended September 2011.

In the UK, the company says it focussed on providing intelligent services to existing customers, leading to improved customer retention while also gaining new accounts.

"Improvements came from a number of factors including a recovery within the global materials handling equipment market, leading to growth in sales, service and short-term hire revenue. Efficiency improvements also enabled the group to be more profitable," a spokesman tells Forkliftaction.com News, adding that the company's operating profit rose to ZAR72 million (USD9 million) from a loss of ZAR3 million (USD374,000) the year before.

Phil Bastow, managing director for the UK, explains that for the past financial year, the business performed well in the ports, terminals and logistics sector. "We have a highly competitive offering in this area, matching class-leading equipment to bespoke intelligent service, which truly helps customers to reduce cost and improve efficiency."

Barloworld Handling reports that utilisation of its national short-term hire fleet grew as industry demand returned. It has invested GBP3 million (USD4.7 million) to add 140 new Hyster trucks to the fleet.

"This was in response to increased demand and utilisation across its fleet and to support its commitment to provide modern, reliable equipment to loyal customers," the spokesman says.

Barloworld Handling claims its short-term hire fleet has the best age profile and condition in the industry.

Parent company Barloworld Ltd reported annual revenue jumped 22% from the previous year's ZAR40.8 billion (USD5.9 billion) to ZAR49.823 billion (USD6.2 billion).

Barloworld Ltd, present in 41 countries, provides solutions in the industrial equipment, automotive and logistics sectors. Barloworld Handling has operations in the UK, the Netherlands, Belgium, South Africa and the US. As the UK's exclusive Hyster distributor since 1956, Barloworld maintains nearly 25,000 forklifts in the country.