Maybe our recent commentaries about the business environment were premature - or maybe the materials handling sector is just more resilient than other industries.
While equipment orders grow, the International Monetary Fund is warning that the global economy looks weaker than three months ago. The IMF points its finger at the European woes, but it also has a watchful eye on the USA, where the threat of government spending cuts and increased taxes could further dent any recovery.
But as long as people have stuff to move, forklifts should get through whatever lies ahead.