While European forklift manufacturers reported a nine percent slide in the Belgian market in 2001, Sigma, which represents importers and materials handling representatives, says the market fell 14 percent.

Sigma said in its 2001-2002 annual report that 7329 units were sold last year, and the market had declined another six percent this year. It said 712 electrical three-wheel units and 687 electrical four-wheel units were sold in Belgium in 2001, down 15 percent and 29 percent respectively on the 2000 results.

In warehouse forklifts, sales of pallet trucks fell six percent to 2112, stackers fell three percent to 1064 units, and reach trucks dropped 10 percent to 579 units. System truck sales soared 35 percent to 183. The total, 3938 units, was four percent less than in 2000, according to Sigma.