What is the current status of the French handling sector?

RB:   "The initial data we have obtained for the beginning of 2012 is promising despite the current gloomy climate.

The positive dynamics of the handling sector are evidenced by the absence of cancellations, postponed orders,… even if investment projects take longer to get off the ground.

If we go back to 2011, the indicators are positive for the entire handling equipment sector, a trend principally underpinned by three sectors.

Sales of forklift trucks have exceeded 50,000 units, and are therefore back to 2006 levels. Thanks to the slight business activity maintained, renewal of inventories and the new ranges presented by manufacturers, turnover for this handling segment has risen by 12%.

The second sector that has grown is automated systems, for handling unit loads; primarily due to manufacturers’ ability to cooperate in order to offer their clients a more comprehensive array of solutions. This demonstrates the excellent synergy that exists between sectors. Moreover, small- and medium-sized French businesses, such as ALSTEF, SAVOYE, SEDEP, CIUCH, have managed to go to market with an appropriate, good quality offering. This development is also underpinned by the economic dynamics of certain activities such as e-commerce, which opens up good opportunities for all those who produce handling solutions. The convergence of these factors has enabled the sector’s turnover to increase by 15% in 2011.

The last segment for which we observed a positive trend in 2011 is the mast machine segment. In addition to activity in the construction sector, this segment has managed to grow in the industrial market, its turnover having risen by 25%."

Why is the Manutention exhibition an opportunity for the handling profession?

"The French handling sector ranks second in Europe. This ranking demonstrates the importance of the sector. Trends for 2011 and 2012 are positive! A major business meeting place for handling is therefore very important. MANUTENTION is the ideal solution to assemble the profession and highlight the dynamism of this channel, which permanently innovates to respond to the French industry demand for productivity.

The exhibition is also an asset to companies working in the sector insofar as it is held jointly with EMBALLAGE. The ensuing offering is coherent, providing a real opportunity to highlight the handling goods used by manufacturers from all sectors."

In what way will CISMA be present at MANUTENTION?

“As a professional body, representing capital goods suppliers involved in the handling industry, it is perfectly logical for CISMA to be present at the show.

MANUTENTION acts as a real sounding board for CISMA whose role is to convey messages to clients and the public authorities via different communication spaces (conferences, EMBALLAGE TV studio, website), CISMA will highlight the solutions displayed by exhibitors, which comply with European regulations,."