When manufacturers are going through periods of growth, it is especially important that they have access to all the fork lifts they need. If they lack such vehicles, they may struggle to keep up with demand, leading to backlogs and problems. These days, it is easy for bosses to get hold of all the forklifts they need, whether they are looking for gas, electric or diesel versions.
Demand for these trucks may be especially high at present. According to the latest Markit/CIPS Purchasing Managers’ Index, UK manufacturing continued to expand in September. This was the sixth successive month of growth in the sector.
The index stood at 56.7 last month. While this was a reduction from August’s figure of 57.1, it was still above the 50 mark that indicates expansion. Meanwhile, growth in output and new orders remained close to the 19-year high recorded in August.
Commenting on the findings, senior economist at Markit Rob Dobson said: “UK manufacturing continues to boom, adding to the flow of upbeat data which suggest that the economy is growing faster than almost anyone expected. The September PMI survey showed rates of output and new order growth retreating only slightly from the 19-year peaks seen in August.
“Job creation is also on the rise, with manufacturers reporting the strongest employment growth since May 2011 as firms took on more staff to meet faster order book growth. These numbers are encouraging in respect to the rebalancing of the economy, with goods production likely to provide a major stimulus to economic growth in the third quarter. We would expect to see manufacturing output expanding by at least one per cent in the three months to September and possibly by as much as 1.5 per cent.”
However, he did express a note of caution. The only weak point in the survey was the slower rise in export orders and Mr Dobson described this as disappointing. He added: “We would expect to be seeing far stronger export gains than companies are currently reporting, especially with the eurozone showing signs of finally pulling out of recession.”
Also commenting on the figures, Lee Hopley, chief economist at manufacturers’ organisation the EEF, said they represented another “solid month” for manufacturing in Britain. He stated that with output, orders and employment all up, the way is paved for another “decent quarter of growth across the sector”.
Meanwhile, chief executive officer at the Chartered Institute of Purchasing & Supply David Noble suggested that manufacturing maintained its “stellar performance” in September.
When firms are stocking up on forklifts to help ensure they are able to cope with demand, it is important that they ensure they choose the most suitable vehicles. In many cases, gas forklifts are ideal. These trucks are able to run around the clock and they can be inexpensive to buy and maintain.
If bosses are unsure which type of forklift will best suit their requirements, they can access a wealth of information over the internet. By getting clued up, managers can make savvier decisions.
About the author – Anna Longdin is a freelance blogger who has written extensively on the subject of manufacturing for a number of sites, including Calor Gas.
