The value of European materials handling production decreased by 5% in 2012 to EUR60 billion (USD82.4 billion), dragged down by declining domestic demand.
The various FEM (European Materials Handling Federation) product groups did not experience the same conditions as in 2012. While industrial trucks saw a decrease in order intake by 6%, demand for intralogistic systems increased by 19%.

Despite an increase in repair and maintenance (+5%), the overall production value of materials handling, lifting and storage equipment decreased by 5% to EUR60 billion (USD82.4 billion), returning to its 2005 level. After a 20% increase in 2011, domestic demand dropped by 14% to EUR31.6 billion (USD43.4 billion).

Exports still increased (+4.5% to EUR23 billion/USD31.6 billion), while imports fell by 8%. However, the share of the domestic market grew 15%, to bring it back to its 2008 level.

Olivier Janin, FEM secretary general, says: "Whereas domestic demand dragged production value upwards in 2011, manufacturers experienced the opposite situation in 2012. This time, exports could not compensate. Domestic demand for materials handling equipment is still 25% less than in 2005. Let us hope the trend can be reversed in the near future."

Founded in 1953, FEM is the voice of the European manufacturers of materials handling, lifting and storage equipment. FEM represents the interests of 17 members - or about 1,000 companies (around 80% of the European materials handling industry by value) employing 160,000 people.

FEM compiles annual statistical data on the production value and external trade of European materials handling, lifting and storage equipment. The aggregated figures are based on Eurostat data, as well as estimates from FEM and VDMA for equipment not covered by Eurostat (storage equipment and software/automation).

The figures in this article come from factsheets from FEM Product Groups that are available on the FEM website. Read the full statistics report.