We are looking for few good women & men . . . who want to enjoy a great night of bowling and help raise funds for the Big Brothers of Greater Vancouver.

We are putting together a CMHDS team (or a few teams if we can) to compete and help raise funds for the BOWL FOR BIG BROTHERS CLASSIC.

The 2012 Scotiabank Bowl for Big Brothers Classic is a six-week fundraising campaign involving some 3,000 bowlers from upwards of 350 companies across the Lower Mainland. This corporate fundraiser is the largest of its kind in North America. Benefiting Big Brothers of Greater Vancouver’s mentoring programs for at-risk children, participating is easy, fun and rewarding.

You can find out all the details by clicking here.

To join the CMHDS team or find out more details call the CMHDS office at 604-999-2979 or send us an email at admin@cmhds.org.

It was another year of global political and financial upset and Mother Nature violently reminding us not to become complacent. The events of 2011 have had a significant impact on the materials handling world but the industry once again has shown itself to be resilient. Melissa Barnett looks back at 2011 and forward to 2012.

2011 financials

The year started with the now-perennial “cautious optimism”, with trading figures for most materials handling companies improving on the previous year and order books looking the best since 2008. According to the British Industrial Truck Association (BITA) UK sales statistics, the market is headed in the right direction for 2012. From a low of 17,500 unit orders in December 2009, the UK market had reached 25,500 units by September 2011. That is more than halfway back to pre-recessionary levels (a 55% recovery). European forklift markets also showed improvements, with Dutch industry association Bouwmachines, Magazijnrichtingen, Wegenbouwmachines en Transportmaterieel (BMWT) reporting in early 2011 an increase in sales of almost all forklift types in the Netherlands. Intriguingly, side-loader forklifts showed the most marked increase, with sales of 97% up on the previous year. The big German forklift manufacturers, KION Group and Jungheinrich, also reported improved first-half 2011 group earnings: KION reported a total consolidated revenue increase of 31% from EUR1.621 billion (USD2.315 billion) to EUR2.113 billion (USD3.035 billion) and Jungheinrich’s consolidated net sales improved 18% on the previous year, from EUR833 million (USD1.197 billion) to EUR987 million (USD1.418 billion).

By the end of the third trading quarter of 2011, the UK’s Barloworld Handling and Translift Bendi, Europe’s KION and Jungheinrich Groups, the USA’s NACCO and Cascade all reported greatly improved trading figures, reflecting a general trend within the materials handling sector. In China, outstanding financial figures were reported by ET Net News for trading group Good Friend whose forklift division saw an increase of 80% on the previous year’s sales revenues in the 11 months to 30 November, 2011; total sales were RMB252 million (USD40 million).

In earthquake-affected Japan, materials handling manufacturers found the year a little harder but still managed to post improved figures. Toyota’s material handling division reported in the six months to September, 2011 a 20% improvement, with sales totalling JPY276.9 billion (USD3.59 billion). A Toyota spokesman said that improved trading figures were due to “improved sales in both domestic and overseas markets, while keeping to a minimum the impact of parts shortages from domestic suppliers affected by the earthquake”.

 2012 forecasts

Despite reassuringly strong figures in 2011, the consensus among manufacturers and forecasters is that materials handling markets will continue to improve only marginally in 2012, although there is still a strong belief in the BRIC (Brazil, Russia, China and India) economies.

The Materials Handling Industry of America (MHIA) released its quarterly report in September, forecasting growth of 7% in materials handling equipment orders in 2012. MHIA executive consultant Hal Vandiver said industrial production activity appears to be softening and factory operating rates are forecast to improve only modestly. Vandiver added that the downgrades in US GDP, consumption and investment reflected a US and global concern about the fragility of current world economies.

The US-based Equipment Leasing and Finance Foundation published its US Economic Outlook Report at the end of 2011, predicting that investment in the US equipment and software markets would grow by 9% in 2012. The report indicated that investment in industrial equipment would be hampered by macro-trends, which may cause some deceleration in growth from its recent peak. Investment in the US is being aided by slowly improving credit market conditions, but growth will be moderate until demand puts more pressure on capacity, according to the report. What the credit market will be like in Europe in 2012 is anyone’s guess, but at the moment it looks like tightening further. In China, meanwhile, credit is being affected by a fragile housing market.

Despite the financial recoveries made in the materials handling sector in 2011, there is continuing uncertainty over confidence in the global financial sector and even the reliable BRICs are not looking so reliable in some quarters. Goldman Sachs Group, the company which coined the term BRIC, says the best is over, according to a Bloomsberg Business Week report published last week. Average economic growth in the four nations will decelerate to 6.1% in 2012 from a high of 9.7% in 2007, according to September estimates by the International Monetary Fund, with the decline attributed to higher wages, higher interest rates and currency volatility in the BRIC regions.

The good news is that there are plenty of materials handling companies that still regard investment in Brazil, Russia, India and China as viable. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) believes that the heavy-duty materials handling systems and port cranes sectors are expected to grow significantly in Asia, particularly India which has indicated port facility improvements as one of its main economic strategies. MHI has recently completed a joint venture with Anupam Industries Ltd to manufacture heavy-duty equipment. The venture is aimed at aggressively exploring the burgeoning Indian, Middle East and African shipping sector.

Hans-Georg Frey, chairman of the board of management of Jungheinrich, said in November that “development of our company’s business will be dominated by growth and shaping the future for profitable growth through the end of 2011 and beyond. To this end, we will improve our marketshare in individual regions and enlarge our sales footprint in the growth markets of Eastern Europe, Asia and Latin America. Furthermore, we are making forward-looking investments; for example, in the construction of the Qingpu factory in China and of the spare parts centre in Kaltenkirchen.”

CeMat 2011

Recent Kion Group statistics indicating sales of 131,000 forklifts to China in the first half of 2011 meant that one in four units worldwide was sold to China – now the second-largest market in the world. KION not only has a number of joint ventures in China but also India and Brazil. The second quarter of 2011 saw KION group entering an alliance with Voltas Material Handling Private Limited of India for developing, manufacturing, selling and servicing forklifts in the region. Voltas is currently building a new plant in Pune, India. Meanwhile, in São Paulo, Brazil, KION has set up a plant for manufacturing IC forklifts to satisfy regional demand. The plant is expected to be fully operational by early 2012.

In April 2011, Italian forklift fork manufacturer Bolzoni Group signed a joint venture agreement with Chinese company Huaxin Forks and also plans to acquire 20% of the company’s share capital. Bolzoni is investing EUR1.9million (USD2.75 million) in the deal and says its vision is to “secure a place in a market with volumes higher than the European and US markets together”.

Enduring issues

Sadly, forklift driver safety was again an issue in 2011. The UK’s Fork Lift Truck Association (FLTA) found this year that over 1.2 million workers in the UK alone were at risk of serious accident from a forklift. Each year, five to 10 Britons are killed by forklifts and about 400 hospitalised with life-threatening injuries. Those at risk included not only drivers but also van drivers, unloading staff and work-site pedestrians. Better news is that provisional workplace accident figures from the Health & Safety Executive show that forklift-related deaths have fallen almost two-thirds since 2006/07.

An issue for both the FLTA and the British Industrial Truck Association (BITA) and one identified by Forkliftaction.com News in its feature on forklift refurbishments in November is the increasing scarcity of suitably trained and qualified forklift technicians. With this in mind, BITA and the FLTA announced a wide range of apprenticeship options for students and their employers during 2011. In May, the FLTA unveiled its scheme operated in conjunction with remit training and North Warwickshire & Hinckley College. November saw the official launch of the BITA Academy, the result of a strategic partnership with City of Bristol College which aims to produce specialist engineers with the necessary experience and skills.

Environmental issues, sustainability and fuel-efficient machines were still an issue for materials handling consumers in 2011. A recent Crown forklift survey of 600 forklift users indicated that environmental sustainability and energy efficiency issues were important when making purchasing decisions. The survey found that 83% of respondents believed that environmental sustainability was important when purchasing a new forklift and 95% felt that energy efficiency was a priority. Matt Logan, Crown director of global marketing, believes that “Crown customers are interested in new and innovative ways to minimise waste, manage energy and maximise productivity”.

It was no coincidence that CeMat Europe’s 2011 theme, ‘Sustainability in Intralogistics’, tapped into the collective views of the materials handling community. The industry’s largest equipment exhibition last year saw over 53,000 visitors and many forklift exhibitors chose CeMat to debut new equipment and technologies in keeping with the theme and the concerns of their buyers. STILL introduced the Hybrid forklift RX70 in the 3-3.5 T range, Linde introduced its E20-E50 electric forklift series, Maximal chose Cemat to showcase its new mini 5 T diesel forklift built specifically with the US market in mind, and Clark launched the 4, 4.5 and 5 T options to its GEX series, to name just a few.

They say that a recession is the best time to invest in research and development, and in October, Finnish company Cargotec announced plans to invest EUR35 million (USD46.6 million) in building a technology and competency centre in Tampere, Finland. CEO Mikael Mäkinen said Tampere will serve as “the spearhead for technologies related to energy efficiency and the intelligent use of machines”.

Reprinted with permission from Forkliftaction.com

Join us on Wednesday December 7th at the beautiful RiverRock Casino Resort where you will get a chance to mingle, jingle and network with your peers. This is a “can’t miss” event where we will be celebrating the holiday season and 30 years of the CMHDS in BC. We have planned a very special event including:

• Meet and greet with CMHDS members, industry peers & guests.
• Complimentary Appetizers
• Speed Networking – ever had trouble meeting people at a networking or social event? You’re not alone. We will be doing a few rounds of “Speed Networking” which is a fun & fast way to meet the people in the room.
• All attendees will receive a complimentary $5.00 gambling token so you can “try your luck” in the casino after the event.
• Cash Bar
• and more (we’re keeping the “more” secret until event night so you’ll have to attend to find out! Trust us . . . you’ll like it!)

Bring your clients, your colleagues, your friends and your spouse!

After the event, try your luck in the casino with your complimentary gambling token, or you can enjoy dinner in one of the many RiverRock restaurants or make a night of it and take advantage of the special CMHDS room rate of $129.99! (call the CMHDS office for more details).

Many Thanks To Our Event Sponsors

We couldn’t bring you all of this for as low as $20 per person without a little help so we would like to sincerely thank the following CMHDS member companies for their sponsorship of this event.

Location

RiverRock Casino Resort (Thompson Room), 8811 River Road, Richmond, BC V6X 3P8 (click here for map)

Date & Time

Wednesday December 7th, 2011 – 4:00pm to 6:00pm.

The CMHDS is pleased to welcome Forkliftaction.com as a partner of the 15th Annual BC Championship Forklift Rally to be held on Saturday May 5th, 2012 at the Cloverdale Agriplex in Surrey, BC.

John Gilder, General Manager of the CMHDS & the Forklift Rally said “It’s great to have such a prestigious organization such as Forkliftaction.com on board. Many forklift safety competitions, such as ours, operate at the grassroots level and have limited access to public promotion. Forkliftaction.com’s commitment to promoting & supporting events such as these says a lot about their commitment to the mobile equipment industry.”

“Forkliftaction.com provided promotion and coverage of our 14th Annual Event and helped drive a lot of traffic and attention to event’s website (ForkliftRally.com). After the event we began talking about taking our relationship to the next level and our partnership with regards to the May 2012 event is the culmination of those discussions.” said Gilder.

About Forkliftaction.com

Forkliftaction.com is the online reference, news service and marketplace for the global materials handling industry.

With correspondents in Asia, Australia, Europe and the United States, Forkliftaction.com now has over 53,000 members and an estimated 190,000+ newsletter recipients. Readers can trust Forkliftaction.com as they are an independent organisation, with no affiliation to any manufacturers.

For independent industry news, discussion forums, business directory, marketplace, spec checker, and industry events, register free at: http://www.forkliftaction.com/news/statlink.asp?statlinkid=8804.

We are pleased to announce that CMHDS members can now take advantage of a 20% discount on Operator & Train-The-Trainer programs with NIS Training.

This adds to the current partnership discounts that members enjoy including:

• a 20% discount on P.Log certification with the Logistics Institute
• a 20% discount on Permanent Placement & Preferred Rate on Temporary Placement with Adecco Employment Services
• 12% discount on workwear from Work Authority

To find out more about our Member Discount Programs click here to visit our Society Partners page.

About NIS Training

NIS Training provides the latest and most advanced Train the Trainer, mobile equipment operator, self study trainer and industrial workplace safety training programs in North America. NIS Training strives to provide companies with the highest training standards for an affordable investment.

All their mobile equipment operator and trainer certification programs are regulatory compliant with the most current regulation and standards. When a student leaves their programs, they will not only know the safety theory, but, also understand the logic (“WHY”) behind it. To receive your discount call the NIS Office at 1-866-344-3950 and identify yourself as a CMHDS member.

Leading & Managing Change

November 2 – November 4, 2011 VANCOUVER 3 days on site

Registration Deadline October 21, 2011

• Understand how to manage change and drive change effectively
• Learn and apply the dynamics of leading across all levels of your organization
• Analysis of individual stengths and limitations that impact peronal leadership

For more information please contact Jason Butkus at 416-363-3005 x15 or loginfo@loginstitute.ca.

Become a Certified Professional Logistician.

The P.Log. designation is a statement of your competency and integrity in the field of logistics and global supply chain management. It develops your ability to create value through leadership strategies, insight and innovative thinking.

The Logistics Institute is a non-profit organization that certifies individuals working in logistics with the Professional Logistician (P.Log.) designation. We are the industry’s leading source of logistics training and certification. Our training programs help logisticians increase their earning potential, develop their leadership skills, and improve the productivity of their supply chain operations.

Join us on Saturday May 5th, 2012 at the Cloverdale Agriplex for the 15th Annual BC Championship Forklift Rally. Four Divisions with over $3500.00 in prize money to be won!

• Free Admission For Spectators – Bring your friends and view the event for free!
• Forklift Basketball, Bowling & Soccer
• Bouncy Castle for the kids!
• The Latest & Greatest Forklifts – there will be a trade show with Rally sponsors showing off their products, services & new forklifts!

Date / Location

Saturday May 5th, 2012 at the Cloverdale Agriplex, 17798 62 Avenue, Surrey, BC

Registration

Registration opens in April 2012 – stay tuned!

Join us on Tuesday June 19th for the 30th Annual CMHDS Charity Classic Golf Tournament & Dinner at the Coyote Creek Golf Club.  This event is an opportunity to spend a day in the sun, enjoy some golf, some friends and some food.

We will also be holding the CMHDS Annual General Meeting where we will review the events of the year and elect the new Board of Directors for the 2012-2013 season. Not much of a golfer? Then come out for the AGM (free, of course) or just for dinner.

Also this year net proceeds from the event will be donated to Canuck Place Children’s Hospice. In addition to coming out for the day, sponsor a hole or make a donation and get some “Mulligan’s” to help improve your score!

EVENT DETAILS

Date: Tuesday June 19th, 2012

Location: Coyote Creek Golf Club, 7778 152nd Street, Surrey, BC V3S 3M4 (click here for Google map) Pro Shop: 604-597-4653

Shotgun Start Tee Off: 1:30pm

Dinner, Awards & Annual General Meeting – 6:00pm (time approximate)

Format: Shamble – All drive from tee box, then from best drive, each person plays their own ball to the hole.

Power Cart Rental - $27.95 + tax (book in advance through ProShop – 604-597-4653).

All golfers DONATE a gift, everyone receives a prize!!

EVENT REGISTRATION

Registration opens May 2012 – contact the CMHDS office at 604-999-2979 for information on event sponsorship.

Join us on Wednesday October 19th for the first event of the 2011-2012 season as we tour the Best Buy Canada’s Distribution Centre in Langley, B.C. The company and facility have some unique challenges and approaches to business and logistics which we make this a can’t miss tour.

• Dual Brand Strategy – while much of the public is unaware, Best Buy & Future Shop actually have the same parent company and actively establish locations close to each other to enhance market share. The facility serves retail locations for both chains and will share some of their challenges and successes.

• Helping Out Santa! – Best Buy’s product lines are at the top of a lot of peoples Christmas Wish Lists so each year Best Buy sets up a temporary separate warehouse (this year’s operation will be 200,000 sq.ft.) to address the seasonal needs. Staff will discuss how they set up, operate and shut down this temporary warehouse all within a 12 week period.

• Security is an increasing concern for many warehouses these days and with a facility full of some of the most sought after electronics on the planet, Best Buy needs to ensure their company is protected. One strategy you will see when you come in the door is the “full body scanners”.

Please note you will not be able to take your cell phone, PDA’s or other personal electronics into the facility. Also you will have to submit to a full body scan when leaving the facility. If you object to either of these restrictions please do not sign up for this tour. (If you have any questions or concerns please contact the CMHDS office at 604-999-2979)

Tour space is limited so sign up now!

Date: Wednesday October 19th, 2011

Time: 3:45pm to 6:00pm

Location: Best Buy Canada Distribution Centre, 19890 92A Avenue, Langley, British Columbia V1M 3A9
(click here for map)