David Malpass, president of the World Bank, recently had some gloomy predictions about the global economy, identifying significant downside risks. "These include intensifying geopolitical tensions, the fragility in many countries, the potential for an extended period of stagflation, the widespread financial stress that's caused by the higher borrowing costs, and food insecurity," he warned.
In stark contrast, this week we report on some very positive indicators: JCB responding to strong demand for its equipment with the employment of around 200 former agency employees and Cargotec notching up an all-time record operating profit.
So, even when the going gets tough, materials handling is powering ahead.
Let's hope the trend continues - no matter what the economy throws at us!