Barloworld Handling managing director Phil Bastow

Hyster and its UK distribution partner Barloworld Handling report they have strengthened their market position as the materials handling sector recovers from the global recession.

The companies say order books have improved this year and they have seen the highest quotation levels for Hyster forklifts in the UK since 2007.

Apart from stronger internal combustion equipment sales, Barloworld reports that orders for Hyster electric and warehouse trucks are growing, boosted by greater demand and last year's launch of the new Hyster JXN/T range of energy-efficient electric counterbalance trucks.

"Hyster is one of the very few manufacturers that offer a full range including market-leading warehouse equipment, engine-powered forklifts and dedicated container handling equipment," says Julien Monteiro, area business director for Hyster Europe.

Barloworld Handling managing director Phil Bastow explains that the forklift distributor has re-organised and strengthened its business over the last 18 months to provide better local service and to support the return of demand following the economic downturn.

Barloworld claims that its intelligent service principles provide the best value for materials handling operations.

"Using our experience and the latest Hyster 3D warehouse and modelling techniques, we help companies specify the optimum fleet mix for the business, and can provide advanced fleet management to help maximise truck performance," Bastow says.

"This type of fleet intelligence aids decision making, assists continuous improvement and helps fleet managers to reduce costs over time," he adds.

Forkliftaction.com News contacted Barloworld Handling for figures supporting their stronger UK position but did not receive a response by press time.