08 september 2010

 

The lift truck industry spent the better part of 2009 stalled out. In last year’s Top 20 lift truck suppliers story, Modern reported “the fourth quarter [of 2008] saw sales come to a screeching halt.” Unfortunately, that trend continued for the next four fiscal quarters; worldwide lift truck revenue for 2009 went in reverse, contracting by 39%. But before you read on about last year’s industry woes, know this: Things appear to be turning around in 2010. In fact, Jeff Rufener, president of the Industrial Truck Association (ITA, 202-296-9880, www. indtrk.org) and vice president of marketing for Mitsubishi Caterpillar Forklift of America (MCFA, 713-365-1000, www.mcfa.com), says, “last year we thought things couldn’t get any worse.

 

The industry bumped along in 2009, but the last fiscal quarter started to show some increase.” So, with the stage set for improvement this year, just how bad was last year? Wicked bad. According to ITA’s worldwide industrial truck figures, shipments were down 39% in 2009. And, it was down around the globe. Europe and Oceania took the biggest hit, each suffering a 48% decline from the previous year. The Americas weren’t far behind, experiencing a 43% decline. Africa saw shipments decline by 40%, which is significant because last year it was the only region to hold its ground and avoid the economic attack. Asia’s decline of 23% was this year’s lowest, but still a big blow, considering it only saw a 5% decline last year.