This is the third successive quarter of growth, painting a picture of a sector that can withstand short-term economic fluctuations, it says.
Sales into manufacturing sectors were again high, with a 5.9% improvement on the previous year’s figure, reflecting the growth in UK manufacturing output this quarter.
Explains BITA secretary-general James Clark: “Despite the uncertain economic environment, forklift sales have continued their recovery from the downturn seen during H2 of 2016, particularly in the retail distribution and manufacturing sectors.”
However, the positive picture for construction sales at the beginning of the year, which had shown a 26% increase in annualised sales compared with 2016, has subsided. Retail distribution remains a major growth area, and the dip registered in 2016 has since been replaced by a strong recovery. However, manufacturing remains the largest single sector user of industrial trucks, making up over a third (32%) of sales.
Concludes Clark: “Despite the continuing uncertainties around the economy and growth forecasts over the next three years, forklifts continue to be in demand, fulfilling their role as enablers of business expansion and supporters of the UK economy.”
