Forecasts are optimistic
According to the latest reports, the estimated value of the forklift market in Poland for 2011 is approximately EUR 164 million. Everything indicates that this level will remain stable in the near future, and only drastic changes in the economic climate could disrupt its balance. Poland has become a very good logistics base and a link between the West and Eastern Europe. The recovery in the forklift industry is primarily driven by an increase in interest in new warehouse space. According to a Colliers International report, in the first quarter of 2011, the total warehouse space resources in Poland amounted to over 6.45 million sq. m., which includes nearly 33,800 sq. m. of new investments. The stabilization of space being commissioned and the increase in transaction volume make leading forklift manufacturers optimistic about the market situation.
New directions of development
– Revenues compared to the same period last year have increased across the entire industry. In addition to the sale of new forklifts, good results are also influenced by the market for used forklifts, which are increasingly being chosen in Poland – says Borys Wochna, CEO of STILL Polska.
An increasingly popular trend in the market is the change in fleet financing by companies – both small and large corporations are opting for leasing or long-term and short-term rental. This allows for optimal planning of costs related to fleet expenses and maintaining it in relatively good condition. Forklift manufacturers are placing increasing emphasis on reducing operating costs and the eco-friendliness of machines. A visible trend is also a nod towards operator comfort and ease of use, including battery and power supply replacement. High competition in the market and customer expectations mean that manufacturers are coming forward with favorable financing and forklift servicing offers.
Atmosphere after the crisis
The transport and logistics market, with a nearly five percent share of GDP, is an important component of the Polish economy. According to a report prepared on this subject by ING, the total revenue in 2007 hovered around 100 billion PLN, and employment in this sector was approximately 400,000 employees. The global crisis that occurred in 2008, and reached Poland with a relative delay, had a strong impact on the financial condition of manufacturing and service companies. In particular, the decline in the development of warehouse space weakened the condition of the logistics forklift industry. According to statistics from the European Materials Handling Federation, the value of storage equipment production, including its repair and maintenance, fell by over 25% across Europe due to the economic slowdown.