- January 20, 2017
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January 2017 Forklift News Roundup
Noteworthy improvements across the industry through innovation, growth, collaboration and consolidation make for a very positive lift this month…
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- Top Manufacturers in Material Handling to Reunite in the Annual FLTA
- Amazon: A Surprise Player in the AGV Game
- Alarming Data: Lift Truck-related Accidents and How to Minimise Them
- Kalmar Taps Sweden’s SSAB to Develop Hydrogen-Powered Lift Truck
- 2016 Highlights: How Material Handling Kept a Steady Pace
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- Road Freight Finds New Partner in Linde Forklift
- Worksafe: WA Should Expect Tighter Inspection Within 6 Months
- Saga Ends as Terex Finalises Multi-Million Deal
- Aggressive Move Sees Mitsubishi Gain Full Control of UniCarriers
- FMH Bags Prestigious Industry Award for 5th Straight Year
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1. Top Manufacturers in Material Handling to Reunite in the Annual FLTA
New champions will take centre stage on March in what would be the FLTA’s 23rd year in recognising excellence in the material handling industry. After receiving a record number of entries from companies all over the globe, the jury finally narrowed down its list for 2017’s “Pick of the Year” in Innovation, Ergonomics, Safety, and Environment. See the full list of this year’s amazing finalists here: Mhwmagazine.co.uk.
2. Amazon: A Surprise Player in the AGV Game
While Apple, Google, Uber, and other tech giants have been making moves to improve the efficiency and performance of Automatic Guided Vehicles (AGV) on the road, Amazon has simultaneously made significant strides in developing its own driverless technology and AGVs for the material handling industry. Learn the incredible story behind at Mmh.com.
3. Alarming Data: Lift Truck-related Accidents and How to Minimise Them
There are plenty of reasons why a typical day in the workshop can turn “great” or “ugly” in a hurry. The latter, is of course, something we’d like to see less of or, preferably, none at all. A study by HSE revealed that a quarter of accidents in warehouses tend to have lift trucks as the culprit or a contributing factor. And since the process of elimination won’t work well here, the folks from Warehousenews.co.uk have laid out some really useful reminders on how warehouse personnel could all work more efficiently and safely with these powerful forklifts.
4. Kalmar Taps Sweden’s SSAB to Develop Hydrogen-Powered Lift Truck
It’s only the first quarter of 2017, but some of the leading forklift manufacturers already put the groundwork of what’s likely to come beyond the current calendar year. By virtue of the project, Kalmar and SSAB aim to reduce our current dependence on fossil fuels for many years to come. Check out their cool medium-range lift truck concept at fork-lift-training.co.uk.
5. 2016 Highlights: How Material Handling Kept a Steady Pace
Despite uncertain predictions in 2015 and a volatile year for many, the Material Handling industry fared pretty well in 2016. Notable acquisitions and tie-ups were finalised, new players bursted into the scene, Chinese manufacturers continued their strong showing, and Manitou even managed to buy-back its share from Toyota. Read more of the surprising 2016 highlights at forkliftaction.com.
6. Road Freight Finds New Partner in Linde Forklift
Road Freight NSW (RFNSW) announced that it has formed a new partnership with Linde Material Handling. Simon O’Hara, General Manager of RFNSW said that they are proud of the development because of Linde’s background in getting the job done in the most effective and productive manner. Read more about this monumental collaboration at logisticsmagazine.com.au.
7. Worksafe: WA Should Expect Tighter Inspection Within 6 Months
Following a rude awakening last year regarding the increased warehouse-related injuries and accidents in the material handling industry over the past five years, Worksafe Western Australia, a governing body that monitors workplace safety, announced its intention to probe further into the dramatic rise of blunders and mishaps in the workplace. The statewide proactive inspection drive will put Perth and regional areas of the state through elaborate checkups and safety educational programs within the next 6 months. Read the complete details here: fullyloaded.com.au.
8. Saga Ends as Terex Finalises Multi-Million Deal
After being announced in 2016, the back-and-forth saga regarding Finland-based Konecranes’ proposed acquisition of the US-based Terex’s Material Handling and Port Solutions sector was finalised. The high-profile deal was completed at a price of USD 595 million (AUD 791.35), plus EUR 200 million (AUD 284 million) in cash. The official sale finally puts an end to what was a seesaw affair between Terex, Konecranes, and China’s Zoomlion that began in 2015. Check the full story of this multi-million deal at heavyliftnews.com.
9. Aggressive Move Sees Mitsubishi Gain Full Control of UniCarriers
Mitsubishi Forklift, Engine, and Turbocharger Holdings, Ltd. (M-FET) made several crucial business moves to accelerate their post-merger integration (PMI) in the logistics equipment business sector by taking full control of UniCarriers and by raising its stake (51%) in Mitsubishi Nichiyu Forklift Co., Ltd.
According to Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd. (MHI), they expect M-FET, an independently managed company they established in 2016, to fully merge the operation of the two companies (UniCarriers and Mitsubishi Nichiyu) by October 2017. Here’s more of what you can expect from Mitsubishi’s material handling sector this year: forkliftaction.com.
10. FMH Bags Prestigious Industry Award for 5th Straight Year
FMH Material Handling Solutions bagged its 5th MHEDA (Material Handling Equipment Distributors Association) Most Valuable Partner Award after another strong year, which once again, allowed them to demonstrate unparalleled business excellence and professionalism in the material handling industry. FMH President, Joe Faulkner accepted the award and acknowledged how prestigious it is to be a member of the industry’s premiere trade association. Read the story and FMH’s complete statement at mhnetwork.com.
