World demand for materials handling equipment increased 13% during the second quarter of 2007, according to World Industrial Truck Statistics.

German manufacturer Jungheinrich AG released the information with its second quarter financial results.

The number of orders in Europe jumped 22% in that period compared to the corresponding period in 2006. Eastern European demand for forklifts increased 51% compared to 18% in Western Europe.

The Asian market recorded a rise of 15% with China as the growth engine (24%).

In contrast, North American forklift orders declined by 15%.

Jungheinrich expects demand for materials handling equipment to remain high in the second half of 2007, but forecasts the pace of growth to drop marginally.

Hans-Georg Frey, board of management chairman, says Jungheinrich aims to attract over EUR2 billion (USD2.7 billion) in orders for 2007.

"We stand a chance of hitting the EUR2 billion (USD2.7 billion) mark in terms of net sales for the first time as well."

The group's orders for its new truck business rose 25% from EUR271 million (USD366.7 million) to EUR340 million (USD458.4 million) for the second quarter, ended 30 June.