A Dutch industry association says 2005 electric forklift sales in the Netherlands saw double-digit growth, but sales of some warehouse trucks decreased.

BMWT, which represents importers and manufacturers of construction, warehouse and other equipment, has tabulated forklift sales figures for the past six years on its website.

According to the data, electric forklift sales in the Netherlands increased 14.7 per cent from 2,784 units in 2004 to 3,195 units in 2005. Electric pallet mover sales increased 10.5 per cent from 3,661 units to 4,047 units while electric stacker sales jumped 28.3 per cent from 1,071 units to 1,375 units.

Narrow-aisle forklift or turret truck sales decreased 18.8 per cent from 101 units in 2004 to 82 units in 2005. Side-loading forklift sales decreased 24 per cent from 50 units to 42 units while rider reach truck sales suffered slightly with a 0.4 per cent decrease from 957 units to 953 units.

Order picker sales jumped 22.6 per cent from 768 units in 2004 to 942 units in 2005. Internal combustion engine forklifts decreased 12.5 per cent from 1,894 units to 1,657 units.

BMWT director Anton van Loon told Logistiek Netherlands magazine the Dutch forklift market could grow 10 per cent in 2006, with around 13,600 units sold, more than the 13,366 units sold in the "record year" of 2000.

The BMWT website:- http://www.bmwt.nl/