World revenues double to $177bn by 2016
Construction and heavy industry machinery has multiple forms. Gravloc can be applied to a wide range of vehicles including those working in rugged terrains and harsh climatic conditions. Vehicles that would benefit include those involved with lifting, earth moving, and those that need to perform within an incline or operating envelope to remain safe from tip-over.
World demand for this type of equipment is expected to boom in the ten years from 2006~2016, almost doubling world revenues to $177bn. Consumption in North America will rise from $32bn to $48bn over this period.
Gravloc benefits all moving products
Almost two thirds of this growth will relate to machinery to which Gravloc could be directly applied, usually in multiple formats.
Consumption patterns will also change over the same period with Asia/Pacific demand matching North America and Western Europe combined by 2016.
BRICs economies are forecast to double their demand over the next 8 years reaching $60bn, creating new opportunities to increase product sales.
11% year on year growth
Materials handling machinery encompass a wide range of vehicles that transfer goods and materials from ship-to-shore-to-shop. Forklift trucks have for decades been the main workhorse.
Today, industrial lifting trucks range in capacity and complexity, with many specialised varieties in use for certain industries. The versatile nature of these trucks coupled with ongoing innovation means that they are constantly addressing new needs and generating new markets.
World sales exhibit an 11% (year on year) growth trend with over 1m unit sales due for 2008. Forecast revenues for 2010 are expected to exceed $36bn.
New safety legislation in 2009
Whilst safety remains a key concern for the industry, there has been only modest advancement in new product (safety) design. R&D attention has been largely focussed on reducing manufacturing costs, addressing ergonomic factors, and seeking ways to improve fuel consumption.
The New (Revised) Machinery Directive coming into force in 2009 introduces a number of new (safety) standards that will necessitate manufacturers to modify certain forklift related products. Compliance is mandatory for any manufacturer wishing to sell these products across EU member states. Products fitted with a Gravloc would efficiently and economically meet the new standards.
US Materials Handling is a $156bn industry
After several consecutive years of growth, including a strong 2007, the Materials Handling Industry of America (MHIA) predicts the $156bn industry will contract modestly over 2008~2009 before resuming growth in 2010.
Playing an ever increasing part in material flow are truck mounted knuckle boom cranes and associated delivery platforms. Growth in production has been progressive for all of the major players over the past 5 years and set to continue.
Sustaining growth and improving safety
Sustained growth arising from industry demands has extended the life of some in-service platforms, but not necessarily improved safety records.
The need for the safe transfer of goods is essential, in particular the on and off loading of goods. Whilst some recent improvements to design have helped, a significant number of ‘aged’ platforms remain in service that rely on operator judgement for goods transfer. Retrofitting a Gravloc to these platforms would help safeguard these from the risk of tip-over.
2008 sales to increase by 10%
Mobile Elevated Working Platforms (MEWPs) include
cherry pickers, scissor lifts and vehicle mounted booms.
MEWPs and AWPs (Ariel Working Platforms) are increasingly being used in construction activities.
The market for MEWPs and AWPs is constantly growing in line with associated industries. Strong growth in Asia and the Indian sub-continent is forecast over the next 3 years.
Over half of the major suppliers expect to realise 10% plus increases in sales this year.
High risk means safety is paramount
By and large, the number of accidents involving MEWPs is substantially less than other forms of transport used in the construction industry. This is due, in part, to the level of risk to life that has forced manufacturers to develop sophisticated systems to monitor every aspect of operation.
Gravloc is an affordable prevention-detection-correction ‘control’ that can easily be integrated into these systems to provide continual ‘checking’ of platform stability.