Manufacturers of rubber-tyred gantries, straddle carriers, reachstackers, heavy forklifts and other port machinery have banded together to form the Port Equipment Manufacturers' Association (PEMA).

PEMA's foundation membership includes Bromma Conquip, CVS Ferrari, Fantuzzi Group, Hyster, Kalmar Industries, Konecranes, Liebherr, Linde, Mitsui Engineering & Shipbuilding, Paceco Corp, RAM, SMV Liftrucks, Stinis, Svetruck, Terberg and ZPMC.

The companies "decided to create one of the only truly global industry associations in the particular and dynamic business of port equipment", said interim chairman Christer Granskog.

Mr Granskog, who is president of Kalmar Industries, said all manufacturers of port and intermodal equipment were welcome to join the association.

"The containerisation industry will soon be 50 years old. We've helped lead the way to increasing efficiencies in the delivery of every good of every kind that is shipped anywhere in the world," he said.

"It's time for the manufacturers in our industry to dedicate efforts to improve security and safety, and actively promote environmentally-sustainable handling solutions. The results of our combined efforts are to benefit all port equipment customers around the globe."

PEMA vice-president Hannu Rossi, marketing & sales director of Konecranes VLC, said the association's goal was to include all manufacturers.

"If you're in this business, we want you to join. We want to be in a position to speak for the entire industry. With the support of the world-wide industry, I think we can make a real contribution."

PEMA has enlisted the help of the Industrial Truck Association (ITA), which represents forklift manufacturers in the USA, Canada and Mexico, to "cut short our growing pains" and offer guidance.

ITA executive director William Montwieler said: "ITA stands ready to assist PEMA in its early days, and looks forward to working with its sister organisations to make sure we are coordinated in serving the needs of our common members.

"Accordingly, Dirk von Holt, president of ITA, and the entire executive committee, have authorised ITA staff to work closely with PEMA to help serve our common interests."