Spare capacity in the global supply chain is at its highest level in 14 months with factory procurement in September falling in China and Europe while North American purchasing activity is the weakest it has been this year, the GEP Global Supply Chain Volatility Index reveals.

This week we also chat with newly-elected FEM (European materials handling federation) president Frank van Dijck on the appointment and his aspirations for his time in the role.

Bobcat has launched a new telehandler into the North American market while Still has added “particularly compact electric forklifts” to its range, and there have been some big equipment deliveries in the last week involving Konecranes and Kalmar.