CeMAT 2002, the world's biggest materials handling exhibition, is a major part of the Hannover Messe, one of the world's largest trade fairs.

Organisers expect more than 1000 exhibitors and 80,000 trade visitors to attend CeMAT in the Hannover Messe open-air site, which will house a global preview of smart and automated materials handling and logistics solutions and the world's biggest display of forklifts and stackers.

The 2002 show focuses on the role the internet and technology have played in furthering the industry. Forrester Research says turnover in online logistics in Europe will increase from EUR63 billion in 2001 to EUR177 billion by 2005. Over the same period, forecasts for the entire materials handling sector suggest growth from EUR436 billion to EUR619 billion.

Forklifts remain indispensable to modern, efficient production and storage. Business consultants Frost & Sullivan estimate the volume of the European hardware market - currently at USD3.9 billion - will grow to USD6.4 billion by 2005.

According to the German Federal Office of Statistics, materials handling technology production topped DEM19 billion last year, second only to office and information technology in the mechanical engineering and machine sector.

**Forkliftaction.com team members will be at the show, and are eager to meet readers and forklift industry professionals. Look out for our bright orange shirts.**