Carlo Fallarini

Bolzoni showed some of its top-selling products at IMHX, including its paper roll clamp, a beverage clamp and a lift table.

As the value of goods being moved increases, so too does the level of care needed in the supply chain, leading to the rise of intelligent attachments. For this market, the display included a simulation of an intelligent clamp for the white goods sector. "It is able to recognise the product in front of it and to adjust the clamping pressure and force in order to handle the load gently and avoid damaging the packaging," marketing and sales director Carlo Fallarini explained. "This type of attachment is required more and more often in the market."

Fallarini said his company is investing heavily in electronic technology. "Attachments have always been steel and oil, and now we are more and more using electronics, sensors and cameras," he said.

Bolzoni is also developing a range of intelligent attachments dedicated to AGVs. "AGVs are becoming more important in our market and replacing traditional forklifts. So, Bolzoni has developed a range of products for these applications," he added. The products need to be designed for 24/7 operation and also need sensors and load detection capability. Another change is a move away from hydraulics towards electric-powered attachments.

Fallarani described the UK market as "good, despite all the troubles with politics and Brexit".

However, there are concerns: "We see that the general forklift market - not only in the UK, but in Europe - is slowing down, especially the counterbalance forklift market," he noted.