Could the worst be behind the materials handling sector? The latest forecasts from the likes of manufacturing giant KION are pointing to significant improvements in 2023. In its latest results report, KION notes "the positive price effects" (in other words, good retail prices for its machines) and assumes that manufacturing costs for new business will remain largely stable.
Similarly, French equipment maker Manitou is flagging revenue growth of around 20% in 2023. The manufacturer concedes that supply chain pressures are eroding earnings, but remains confident about the second half of the year.
While many of the pressures which impacted on commerce and industry over the past 12 months persist, it seems that manufacturers are finding new ways to deal with the challenges - and that their markets are holding up despite inflationary pressures.