How do you assess the current construction sector market for materials Handling vehicles?
Activity in certain central European countries, such as Germany, is reasonably static at the moment, with the current situation in Russia having a knock on effect in the region.
In contrast we have seen a greater willingness of customers in the UK to invest, particularly in the timber frame and prefabricated housing sector, underpinned by growth in the construction market overall. We’ve recently seen year on year growth in the UK timber sector of 25%.
What are customers’ materials Handling challenges and priorities?
They’re very focussed on cost savings. They are not just concerned with the actual purchase price of a machine, but also on total cost of ownership during the lifetime of a forklift.
They continue to want to get maximum use out of their materials handling equipment with as few machines as possible being idle for any length of time.
This, we believe, is one of the attractions of our range of vehicles, as one Combilift is designed to do the job of a number of different types of trucks, so maximising investment costs.
How are engine improvements and emission limits changing buying behavior?
Advances in diesel technology to meet more stringent future guidelines has pushed up the price of newer diesel engines and we have seen more and more customers turning to gas-powered units, instead of diesel.
For customers who still prefer diesel we have incorporated the most up to date and ultra clean Deutz engine as standard in some of our models – the 4 wheel side loader for example. This is very low on emissions, eliminates the possibility of exhaust residue, and has no diesel particulate filter, minimising maintenance costs.
What about advances in forklift comfort and Health and safety?
Operators have much more say in the purchasing of forklifts than in the past, so their comfort is high on the agenda when decisions are being made. We take on board operator feedback in developing new models. A comfortable workstation is a key feature as it enables drivers to work for longer periods with no manual stress or strain.
As well as ensuring that cabs are as ergonomically sound as possible and that seating is comfortable, there is more focus nowadays on what used to be considered more luxurious features. The option of air con, for example, is now regularly taken up.
How do you see materials Handling technology developing over the next five years?
The trend towards walk behind operated trucks is predicted to grow considerably in the next few years. Instead of using small ride on forklifts with lighter lift capacities, many operations are looking at pedestrian trucks for a number of reasons. Operatives are closer to the load than when using a ride on truck, they offer a higher level of safety for operatives and other personnel who may be in the vicinity, and it’s quicker, easier and therefore more cost effective to train personnel to use them.
It is estimated that around 50% of trucks in the German market are now walk behind, and I think that the percentage of these in other countries will also rise. This is also a reason why we developed our Combi-WR and multidirectional Combi-WR4 walkie reach trucks.
Can you update us on the construction of Combilift’s latest factory?
Excavation work has commenced and we are on course to have the facility ready by the first quarter of 2017. We have increased the initial planned building area by 6,000 square metres so that it will now cover 46,000m2 close to 500,000sq ft. You can follow the progress on the Combilift website.
