Some people monitor the economic indices to get a handle on the business environment. But if we look more closely at the world around us, we get a much clearer view.
This week, we see a number of positive signs about the state of the materials handling market.
For example, organisers of the recent transport logistic show in Munich report record attendance - both among exhibitors and buyers. That shows that manufacturers are continuing to invest and end-users still have an appetite for new equipment.
Then we read about facility expansions in Spain and Norway - another indication of growth and healthy demand.
Our newsletter also includes news of a dealer expansion through acquisition and of a few large equipment orders.
So, it looks like things are ticking over nicely.