Capital Equipment News December 2023

MARKET OUTLOOK

The Moffett M8 NX truck-mounted forklifts could reduce costs since the machines are easy to mount and move to a variety of sites.

Materials handling and warehousing set for a strong 2024

A s we step into 2024, the materials-handling landscape in South Africa is poised for transformation, fueled by strategic initiatives, technological integration, and industry dynamics. In this analysis, we delve into the strategic visions of key players to unravel the intricate tapestry of trends, challenges, and groundbreaking strategies shaping the industry’s trajectory. The dynamism of South Africa’s materials handling industry is set to take centre stage in 2024, as key players unveil robust strategies, innovative approaches, and groundbreaking partnerships to navigate challenges and capitalise on emerging trends. New equipment and industry focus is central to why 2024 will be a strong year. Shift in forklift demands Over the past two years, South Africa’s industrial equipment and material handling industry recorded its largest markets in history, with 10,724 units in the country in 2021 and 9,828 units in 2022. This is in a market that historically

averaged about 7,000 units a year. This growth is largely due to an increased demand for forklifts in industries such as manufacturing, FMCG and distribution as well as in response to a rise in e-commerce, which grew significantly during the pandemic. National sales manager for Toyota Material Handling, Vuyokazi Bangazi, says in addition to increased demand from the e-commerce and industrial sectors, an increase in infrastructure development and urbanisation in the country have

“Notably, the use of electric forklifts is a standard requirement for the agricultural, food production, distribution and wine export industries, even as South Africa continues to grapple with loadshedding.”

Vuyokazi Bangazi, National Sales Manager for Toyota Material Handling

TALKING POINT

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