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Feature Articles

Forkliftaction News takes an in-depth look at current trends, challenges and opportunities impacting the materials handling market. Packed with insights from industry experts, you'll learn about the latest emerging technologies and new solutions on the market.

8 minute read

Materials handling in the USA

Feature Article - 23 Feb 2017 (#809) Slowing domestic manufacturing, a general global downturn in the oil and gas industry, a relatively strong US dollar, slow global growth, Brexit and volatility in US equity markets, as well as uncertainty regarding the incoming government's trade and fiscal policies have made forecasting the general state of the materials handling sector in the USA over the coming year a tricky business. Melissa Barnett looks at how 2017 could shape up for the industry.

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16 minute read

Another big year for materials handling

Feature Article - 5 Jan 2017 (#802) There was plenty of activity in the materials handling market in 2016 - and the market growth looks like continuing in 2017. Allan Leibowitz looks at the A to Z of the past year.

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12 minute read

Easy lifting with attachments

Feature Article - 17 Nov 2016 (#796) What if you have something that is not an ordinary load? Melissa Barnett takes a look at the world of attachments, why they are such vital pieces of materials handling equipment and how technology is influencing current attachment design. Attachment manufacturers are born problem-solvers. Show them a load-lifting problem and they'll more often than not find a solution. Lifting an awkward size or shape presents the forklift driver with a distinct set of problems; these are exacerbated when the load is large, heavy or bulky. Product damage is most commonly the result of a poorly lifted item, but safety and efficiency can also be compromised

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10 minute read

Lean Warehousing: Practice makes perfect

Feature Article - 15 Sep 2016 (#787) What is a lean warehouse, how is it achieved and what tools can be used to make your warehouse lean? Melissa Barnett looks at the theories behind lean thinking and some of the ways in which modern warehousing brings theory and practice together.

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13 minute read

Container handling – managing the move

Feature Article - 21 Apr 2016 (#766) Amendments to the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) convention, which come into effect on July 1, have caused consternation for some in the global supply chain sector. Melissa Barnett looks at what the SOLAS amendments will mean for container handling manufacturers and suppliers, the options available to meet the new standards and other container handling challenges.

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9 minute read

Sideloaders - Moving with the times

Feature Article - 18 Feb 2016 (#757) The sideloader market seems to be in flux. Changes in sideloader technology and the economy over the past few years have forced the market to re-examine what it really needs in sideloaders. Melissa Barnett looks at what these changes are and what they might mean.

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11 minute read

Industry poised for modest growth in 2016

Feature Article - 31 Dec 2015 (#750) As the forklift industry looks to 2016, there's a sense of optimism. Allan Leibowitz looks at expectations for the year ahead, and reviews the year that has been.

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11 minute read

Forklift safety – managing risk

Feature Article - 19 Nov 2015 (#745) Melissa Barnett looks at rising awareness of the need for forklift safety and some of the latest innovations.

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12 minute read

Forklift Build 101 – from design to build

Feature Article - 25 Jun 2015 (#724) Forklifts are not often noted for their beautiful lines or beguiling curves, but you might be surprised at how many forklifts and forklift accessories win industrial design prizes for these very things. Yet good industrial design is more than just appealing lines and curves. Above all, it is about finding beauty in functionality. Melissa Barnett looks at forklifts from the drawing board to rolling off the production line.

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11 minute read

CeMAT gets support despite thin attendance

Feature Article - 14 May 2015 (#718) Leading materials handling show CeMAT made its Australian debut last week, and Forkliftaction.com News editor Allan Leibowitz was there.

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