The UK Material Handling Association (UKMHA) has announced that this year’s UK National Forklift Safety Day (NFSD) will focus on technician safety. As one of the UK’s leading industry‑wide safety initiatives, NFSD continues to highlight best practice in the safe operation, maintenance and management of forklift trucks. On 9 June 2026, technicians take centre stage as the campaign highlights the essential contribution of skilled engineers. Their expertise ensures that forklift equipment is maintained to the highest standards, supporting safe, reliable and compliant operations throughout its working life. With this focus, UKMHA aims to reinforce the vital role technicians play in building a safer and more resilient industry.
The rationale for this year’s theme is derived from workplace injury statistics. Between 2019 and 2025, UK forklift suppliers lost, on average, more than 1,000 working days per year to workplace injuries. UKMHA data reveals that 85% of these incidents involved forklift technicians working at customers’ premises. Notably, more than 20% of injuries resulting in time off work are linked to manual handling failings, whilst 30% of incidents occur when technicians are not actively working on the MHE.
Commenting on the campaign, David Goss, Technical Director at the UK Material Handling Association, said: “National Forklift Safety Day plays a really important role in UKMHA’s vision to reduce the number of incidents and accidents involving MHE technicians by improving working practices on common activities. This goal will be achieved through a combination of workplace guidance and targeted training for technicians.”
UKMHA’s manual handling training is tailored to the specific tasks carried out by technicians working within the material handling sector. The Association is partnering with a specialist manual handling training provider to enable members to roll out this training quickly and cost-effectively. The training offer also includes ‘train the trainer’ sessions allowing suitably qualified and experienced staff of UKMHA members to deliver the training directly to their co-workers.
UKMHA continues to champion safety across the industry, but meaningful change ultimately depends on those working within it and their customers, the end users. To support this, the Association will invite users to sign up to its Safe Working Area Charter, helping to ensure technicians are protected when visiting customers’ sites. In addition, UKMHA will provide a dedicated space on the National Forklift Safety Day website where members can showcase their safety-related products and services.
To further support the campaign, UKMHA will release a range of practical resources aimed at reducing incidents and accidents involving MHE technicians. These will be shared via the National Forklift Safety Day website and social media channels and will include bite-sized training videos covering topics such as van safety, point of work risk assessment, selection and use of PPE, and LPG cylinder handling.
The National Forklift Safety Day initiative has been raising awareness about the safe use of material handling equipment since 2014. Dedicated to promoting safety standards across the entire material handling industry, the UKMHA invites everyone to participate in National Forklift Safety Day 2026. For more information, visit the official National Forklift Safety Day website: https://nationalforkliftsafetyday.co.uk/
Sydney, Australia – March 25, 2026
Noblelift officially marked its entry into the Australian market at a brand launch event, a milestone that represents a pivotal step in the company’s international growth strategy and brings its world-class lithium-powered technology to Australian customers.
Hosted in collaboration with its exclusive distributor, Noblelift Material Handling Australia, the event brought together regional dealers and corporate partners to witness the unveiling of Noblelift’s localized product roadmap.
Driving Performance: Live Demonstrations and Hands-on Trials
The launch featured a comprehensive showcase of Noblelift’s flagship models. Attendees took part in live test-drive sessions, offering immediate feedback on the equipment’s ergonomics, efficiency and overall performance. A dealer attending the event, who recently joined the Noblelift network, commented after the test drive, “The ergonomic design make the driving very smooth and stable, I love the products!”
Capitalizing on the “Lithium Shift”
Kevin Wang, General Manager of Noblelift Material Handling Australia, shared an optimistic outlook on the region’s material handling industry. He emphasized that the booming e-commerce industry and the pressing demand for operational efficiency are fueling a rapid shift toward sustainable, lithium-ion-powered material handling fleets.
“Australian customers are looking for more than just a forklift, they seek reliability, lower Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), and long-term value,” Kevin noted. “With our robust product portfolio and a deeply localized service support, we are confident in establishing a sustainable, competitive presence in this market.”
A Global Vision with Local Roots
Amy, Sales Director of Noblelift, stated, “Together with Noblelift Material Handling Australia, we will focus on enhancing our localized support systems to ensure our partners and customers receive world-class value and service.”
This successful debut lays a solid foundation for Noblelift in Australia, positioning the company at the crossroads of innovation, localised expertise, and strategic collaboration.
About NOBLELIFT
NOBLELIFT® (www.NOBLELIFT.com) is a global leader in Lithium-iron technology. We manufacture a comprehensive range of high-performance, low-maintenance manual, electric, and internal combustion equipment with more than 200 categories and around 30 series of each product. Our products are designed to meet different application demands and are well accepted by our customers in more than 100 countries and regions in Europe, America, Asia-Pacific, Africa and more.
A recent Health and Safety Executive (HSE) eBulletin has drawn attention to an important safety notice concerning the Everun ERT 1500 Rough Terrain Telehandler.
The bulletin links to a new Product Safety Report published by the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS), which identifies the model as presenting a serious risk of injury.
OPSS identify that due to the absence of a coherent conformity assessment and quality control regime essential safety features, such as Longitudinal Load Moment Control ( LLMI), may be missing.
The OPSS report highlights safety concerns that could compromise the safe use of the Everun ERT 1500, and users are strongly encouraged to review the details and take appropriate action. Ensuring that all lifting equipment meets required safety standards is critical to preventing accidents and maintaining safe working environments.
We will continue to monitor updates from HSE and OPSS and share further information as it becomes available.
Westcoast, one of Europe’s leading technology distributors, has extended its partnership with Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks, securing a new fleet for its Milton Keynes distribution centre. This latest development marks the fourth Westcoast site to choose Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks, demonstrating the growing confidence in the materials handling partnership.
The Milton Keynes fleet, which will be delivered in early 2026, features a range of specialist equipment tailored specifically to Westcoast’s operational requirements. The deal reinforces a relationship that has been steadily building over the past two and a half years, with Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks providing comprehensive materials handling solutions across multiple Westcoast locations.
What started as an initial enquiry has evolved into a trusted partnership characterised by consistent delivery, transparency, and shared vision. Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks has maintained a weekly presence at Westcoast sites for the past two years, ensuring constant communication and a smooth transition as the distributor modernises its materials handling fleet.
Jay Bamrah, Territory Sales Manager for the Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks distributor, commented: “This isn’t just about supplying trucks. We’re building a relationship that allows us to make a real difference to Westcoast’s operations. We’ve grown together, and they’ve embraced the two-way relationship, giving us the opportunity to genuinely support their business at every step.”
Westcoast’s decision to partner with Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks was driven by several critical factors. Service excellence and reliability were paramount, with guaranteed uptime essential for maintaining the smooth operation of their 400,000 square foot warehouses. Safety stood out as a key differentiator, with innovative truck designs and advanced safety systems that protect both operators and operations.
The specialist design of trucks offered the opportunity to reduce costs and improve efficiency, while the consultative approach provided genuine added value. Importantly, the non-terminous contract structure gave Westcoast the flexibility they needed, future-proofing their operations without restrictive long-term commitments.
For Milton Keynes, Jay worked closely with the site manager to create bespoke specifications for the new fleet. The solution includes reach trucks for efficient pallet movement, high-level order pickers equipped with advanced Birdseye safety systems, low-level order pickers designed to double picking efficiency, VNA trucks with Birdseye safety technology, counterbalance trucks with specialist clamp attachments for handling white goods, and wide straddle stackers for versatile material handling.
Jay explains: “We didn’t just replace like-for-like. We took measurements around the site, discussed their specific challenges, and worked through different controller options, safety systems, and specifications until we got exactly what they needed. For the first time, their trucks are truly custom-made for their operation.”
As Westcoast continues to equip its UK sites with Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks, the partnership represents a significant vote of confidence. The relationship demonstrates what can be achieved when a supplier invests time in understanding a customer’s business and works collaboratively to deliver solutions that genuinely make a difference.
“We have no interest in just selling trucks,” adds Jay. “We want to build relationships and grow with your business, being with you every step of the way. That’s what Westcoast has given us the opportunity to do, and we’re proud of what we’ve achieved together.”
Simon Ralph, Operations Director of Westcoast comments: “Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks have proven to be more than just a supplier, they’re a genuine partner in our operations. Their willingness to create bespoke solutions and maintain consistent communication has been invaluable as we’ve expanded. We now have the confidence and flexibility we need to focus on serving our customers.”
A full case study exploring the Westcoast partnership in detail will be released in 2026.
For more information about the award-winning Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks range, call the Greenline 0845 371 3048, contact [email protected] or visit www.mitsubishi-forklift.co.uk.
Monaghan, Ireland – 22nd December 2025
Global materials handling leader Combilift has celebrated a major manufacturing milestone by transforming its 100,000th forklift into a powerful force for good, raising and donating €100,000 to the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund to support children in crisis worldwide.
To mark the production of its 100,000th forklift, Combilift launched its largest-ever worldwide competition, offering the exclusive 100,000th “Golden Prize” multidirectional Combi-CBE. All proceeds raised were donated to UNICEF Ireland’s Children’s Emergency Fund.
The campaign generated €56,500 in ticket sales, and at a cheque presentation ceremony, Combilift announced it had topped up the total contribution to an impressive €100,000, underlining the company’s long-standing commitment to corporate social responsibility.
Speaking at the handover, Combilift CEO and Co-Founder Martin McVicar said:
“This campaign was designed not only to celebrate a major manufacturing achievement for Combilift, but also to make a meaningful difference beyond the factory floor. By supporting UNICEF, we are supporting one of the world’s most effective humanitarian organisations and helping children who need it most.”
The cheque was formally presented by Martin McVicar to Owen Buckley, UNICEF Ireland’s Head of Corporate Partnerships, and Michaela Plunkett, Business Development Manager, in Monaghan.
Owen Buckley welcomed the donation, saying:
“As we enter the winter season, our priority is ensuring children affected by war and natural disasters have access to warm clothing, safe shelter and continued education. This generous contribution from Combilift will help UNICEF respond quickly to urgent needs.”
The winning ticket was purchased by Kareen Farrell, who travelled to Combilift’s headquarters in Monaghan to receive the one-of-a-kind 100,000th Combi-CBE “Golden Forklift.”
Reacting to her win, Kareen Farrell said:
“I was absolutely delighted when I heard I had won, as I’m never lucky. My dad shared the competition details and bought a ticket to support UNICEF because it’s a children’s charity that helps children all over the world, so winning the forklift was an incredible bonus.”
The Golden Forklift was first unveiled at the IMHX Exhibition in the UK before embarking on a European trade show tour, attracting strong international interest and reflecting Combilift’s global customer base and shared commitment to positive social impact.
Founded in 1989, Furniture Village is the UK’s largest privately owned furniture retailer, renowned for its unwavering commitment to quality, customer service, and rapid delivery. With over 58 stores nationwide, including recent expansion into Scotland, and a robust network of regional warehouses supported by a central National Distribution Centre (NDC) in Milton Keynes, Furniture Village continues to thrive in a highly competitive market. The company’s family-driven culture and strategic focus on stock availability, coupled with a seven-day delivery promise, ensure customers receive products quickly and reliably.
A decade-long partnership with Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks has been instrumental in supporting Furniture Village’s growth. Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks have consistently demonstrated a commitment to improving the profitability of Furniture Village’s materials handling operations, taking the time to understand the business’s unique goals and challenges.
Faced with rapid business growth and space constraints, Furniture Village sought a solution to increase throughput, enhance warehouse efficiency, and equip their operations with the right tools for the job. The company made the strategic decision to build a new NDC adjacent to their original site. This state-of-the-art facility has doubled in size to 164,000 square feet, featuring 25 dock doors and 10,500 pallet locations.
Throughout the transition, Furniture Village relied on Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks for problem-solving and operational support. The flexibility of the team was apparent in their ability to provide short-term hire solutions and ensure the timely delivery of essential materials handling equipment, including Reach Trucks, Counterbalance Forklifts, Order Pickers, and Powered Pallet Trucks, often at short notice.
Josh Baxter, Territory Manager at Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks distributor, added “Flexibility and fast response are central to our partnership. When Furniture Village required additional trucks at short notice, our team was able to react quickly, providing short term solutions that kept their warehouse running smoothly”.
Luke Dunworth, Operations Support Manager at Furniture Village explained, “The support and flexibility from Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks has been invaluable throughout this transition, helping us equip our operation and operators with the right trucks at the right time”.
The expanded NDC has enabled greater stockholding, improved logistics, and significantly increased throughput. The warehouse team has welcomed the new fleet of Mitsubishi trucks introduced earlier in the year, noting their smoother operation and the distinctive blue Furniture Village branding.
Key equipment includes SENSiA EM reach trucks, capable of operating at heights of over 11 metres for high-bay racking operations; EDiA EM electric counterbalance trucks for yard work and recycling; PREMiA EM Powered Pallet Trucks; and VELiA EM Order Pickers for efficient picking and marshalling of goods. The recent addition of Scissor Lifts supports stock checking and building maintenance, reflecting Furniture Village’s ambition to continue expanding.
Battery changeover operations have also been relocated to the new Milton Keynes NDC, providing a safer and more efficient process that minimises disruption to their daily operations. The NDC site is supported by a full maintainance service contract, ensuring reliability and operational excellence. In addition to the new NDC, Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks provides materials handling equipment to support operations at every Furniture Village location nationwide, ensuring consistent collaboration, efficiency, and reliability across the entire network. “Our partnership with Furniture Village is built on flexibility and collaboration”, Josh reflected. “We’re committed to responding quickly, with larger retailers its an especially fast paced environment so we need to be on our toes to supply them what they need, when they need it. We always put our customers first, delivering reliable solutions, wherever they’re needed”.
Amid fierce competition, the new NDC has empowered Furniture Village to hold more stock, streamline logistics, and boost throughput – ensuring customers receive their products quickly and reliably. These operational improvements have not only enhanced customer satisfaction but also improved the profitability of Furniture Village’s materials handling operations.
“In a competitive market our new National Distribution Centre has made a real difference, helping us hold more stock, streamline logistics, and deliver to our customers faster than ever. These improvements have not only boosted customer satisfaction but have also strengthened our business for the future,” Luke reflected. “The support and expertise of Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks have been key in helping us achieve these improvements, boosting customer satisfaction and strengthening our business for the future”.
Find out more
To find out more about the award-winning Mitsubishi Forklift Truck range, call the Greenline on 0845 3713048, or visit www.mitsubishi-forklift.co.uk.
Combilift is thrilled to announce the release of our 2025 Christmas video, “Twelve Days of Christmas”, a joyful celebration of our dedicated team and the true spirit of giving.
This year’s festive video takes you on a light-hearted tour through every corner of the Combilift facilities, with reimagined, factory-themed lyrics to the classic Christmas tune performed by employees from across all departments.
Leading the fun is Georgia, aged 5, who proudly introduces Combilift’s100,000th Golden Forklift.
Through a very special competition, one lucky winner will have the chance to take home this iconic multidirectional Combi-CBE. The draw closes on December 15th, so we encourage everyone to make their pledge early and secure a ticket.
In keeping with the spirit of generosity during this festive season, all proceeds will be donated to UNICEF, supporting its vital work in providing life-saving food, clean water, shelter, and medical care to children in need across the globe.
By entering the draw, you’re not just one step closer to winning the Golden Forklift—you’re also supporting a meaningful cause that makes a real difference in the lives of vulnerable children.
Join us in spreading Christmas cheer while supporting a truly worthy cause. To find out how to enter the draw and support this incredible cause, please visit our website today.
Enter now: https://combilift.com/win-a-truck/
📽️ Watch the video “Twelve Days of Christmas” – with a Twist! now on Combilift’s Social Media Channels and YouTube:
From everyone at Combilift, we wish you a very Happy Christmas!
UNICEF does not endorse any company, brand, product or service.
RAK Ceramics is a lifestyle brand offering premium ceramic and porcelain tile solutions across the United Kingdom. Operating from two strategic locations in Petersfield and Birmingham (Bromford), the company handles some of the heaviest loads in the industry, with pallets weighing up to one tonne each requiring careful handling in demanding warehouse environments.
With over a decade of partnership with Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks, RAK Ceramics has recently reinforced this relationship by placing new orders for their Birmingham site, reflecting the company’s continued growth and confidence in the reliable equipment and tailored service provided.
Meeting unique operational challenges
At Petersfield, the warehouse’s narrow aisles and the need to handle exceptionally heavy euro pallets at height demanded a specialised approach. Meanwhile, at Birmingham, the dynamic operation required equipment for intensive picking across all racking tiers, handling 200 to 500 picks daily.
Working closely with their longstanding Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks contact, Jay Bamrah, the team conducted thorough site assessments at both locations, ensuring the final specifications would meet each operation’s exact needs.
Heavy-duty stackers for narrow-aisle performance
At Petersfield, RAK Ceramics now operates six stand-in stackers, five equipped with stabiliser legs. Following a trial period, this configuration was identified as optimal for handling the site’s unique combination of narrow aisles and extremely heavy loads up to one tonne at height.
“The stackers with stabiliser legs allow us to achieve impressive load capacity,” said Anthony Mihell, Operations Manager. “It’s an innovative, cost-effective solution that gives us better storage density. We can utilise our narrow aisles efficiently while maintaining the highest safety standards.”
Intelligent reach trucks technology for intensive picking
At Birmingham, RAK Ceramics specified four new Mitsubishi SENSiA EM reach trucks to replace older units. The reach trucks feature advanced intelligent systems including the Intelligent Cornering System for maximum stability, Stability Support System (S3) for optimised hydraulic functions, and Soft Motion technology for improved handling speed.
The MaxVision mast design maximises operator visibility, while the multifunctional ergologic joystick controls seven functions intuitively, reducing fatigue during continuous picking operations.
“The reach trucks perform exactly as we need them to,” said Daniel Turner, Warehouse Manager at Birmingham. “The intelligent features make a real difference when picking continuously throughout the day. The operators appreciate the improved visibility and smooth, responsive controls.”
Exceptional reliability and responsive service
One of the key benefits RAK Ceramics has experienced is the exceptional reliability of the equipment. “We’ve had minimal breakdowns,” Daniel reported. “When issues do occur, they’re primarily related to environmental factors such as uneven warehouse floors affecting wheels, rather than equipment faults.”
The service and preventative maintenance programme has been equally impressive. Both sites typically have the same engineer assigned, ensuring familiarity with the equipment and quick turnaround for repairs. Most issues are resolved within 24 to 48 hours unless specialist parts are needed.
Anthony praised the customer-focused approach: “Jay has been fantastic. He’s incredibly responsive and flexible, always providing multiple equipment options for us to consider. The decision-making process is straightforward; we prepare the business case and proposals go to our managing director for final approval.”
A partnership built on understanding customer needs
The decade-long relationship between Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks and RAK Ceramics has evolved through regular site visits and open dialogue, placing operational requirements at the heart of every decision.
“It’s more than just a supplier relationship,” Anthony reflected. “When we needed to expand our fleet, there was no question about who we’d turn to.”
Jay Bamrah, Account Manager at Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks distributor, added: “Working with RAK Ceramics has been built on understanding their evolving needs. Through collaborative assessments and trials, we’ve specified the right solution for each location. We’re a long-term solutions partner invested in our customers’ success.”
With operations running smoothly across both sites, RAK Ceramics is well-positioned for continued success, supported by reliable equipment and a partnership built on trust and operational excellence.
Find out more
To find out more about the award-winning Mitsubishi Forklift Truck range, call the Greenline on 0845 3713048, or visit www.mitsubishi-forklift.co.uk.
After a year defined by delayed investment decisions, rising costs and fragile confidence, the UK forklift truck market is moving through a period of adjustment rather than retreat, a new financial report reveals.
The latest UK Forklift Truck Market Outlook, compiled for the UK Material Handling Association (UKMHA) by Oxford Economics, shows that cost pressures and economic uncertainty have influenced investment decisions throughout 2025, with many companies delaying fleet renewals or opting for shorter-term leasing.
However, the report suggests that 2026 will mark the beginning of a gradual return to improved conditions, supported by easing inflation and more favourable financing. Forklift truck orders are forecast to grow again as confidence strengthens, with further steady expansion expected through 2027. Analysts point to this as a transition into a more stable, sustainable replacement cycle rather than a return to pandemic-era peaks.
UKMHA CEO Rob Fisher said: “The year has required resilience, but we are encouraged by the projected upturn from 2026 onwards. The fundamentals of our industry remain strong, and when businesses feel more confident, we expect investment to return.”
The UKMHA’s industry survey showed that while some firms reported improved order books, confidence remained fragile. However, Association members show increasing levels of optimism for the return of modest sales growth, aligning with the predictions of economic forecasters.
The report suggests that 2026 will mark the beginning of a gradual return to growth, driven by easing inflationary pressures and a loosening of monetary policy conditions. With financing expected to become more affordable and supply chain uncertainty starting to settle, total forklift truck orders are forecast to recover by 9.4% in 2026. This uplift is set to be broad-based, with counterbalance truck orders projected to rise by 8.2%, supported by steady improvement in industrial production.
In the warehouse segment, truck orders are forecast to rebound sharply by 10.1% in 2026, following an unexpectedly weak performance in 2025 linked to softened online retail and consumer spending trends. Sales of pedestrian controlled warehouse trucks (Class 3), which were near to record highs in 2024, are projected to fall sharply during 2025 and then recover modestly in 2026.
Looking to 2027, the data points towards continued growth, albeit at a slower and more steady rate, with counterbalance orders forecast to rise by a further 6.5% and warehouse orders by a modest 1.9% as the market settles into a more normalised pattern of investment and operational planning.
Rob Fisher added that new entrants to the UK market demonstrate the continued belief in the long-term strength of materials handling, making the next edition of the IMHX logistics solutions show in September 2027 all the more attractive.
“Transition should not be misread as decline,” Rob said. “It is preparation. Our industry has shown time and again that it emerges stronger, and we believe it will do so again.”
“They recognise the UK as a market worth investing in,” added Rob. “That provides healthy competition, but also fresh collaboration opportunities. For established suppliers and newer players alike, IMHX 2027 will be a major milestone, and we would encourage organisations to start planning in early 2026 to ensure they are ready to showcase their capabilities.
For many years, women have worked hard to establish themselves as leaders, particularly in traditionally male-dominated industries. In recent years, there has been a welcome shift, with more women stepping up into senior roles where they provide dynamic leadership, are bold decision-makers, drive progress and inspire future generations.
We are delighted to introduce three UKMHA member companies, which are led by women who are thriving in their roles and shaping the future of the industry.
Rachel shares her journey from joining the family business in the 1980s to leading it to become one of the UK’s largest Mitsubishi dealers. She reflects on her pivotal career moments, the values that shaped her leadership, and her vision for the future of the material handling industry.
Rachel’s story is one of resilience, growth, and belief in people.
Zoe reveals her career development path from starting as an apprentice in 1997 to managing the company today. She reflects on her progression, the proud achievements of HFT, including multiple Mitsubishi awards, and the values that drive her leadership.
Zoe’s story is a testament to growth, determination, and the power of building strong teams.
Gillian reflects on her career journey from retail banking to the material handling industry, sharing how the transition challenged her and opened new leadership opportunities in a male-dominated sector. Her role on the UKMHA board highlights her commitment to supporting leadership development and inspiring the next generation of women.
Gillian’s story is about building strong teams and creating an environment where talented individuals can thrive.
These inspiring stories highlight an important reality: female leaders bring a wide range of strengths to the table, including clear and effective communication skills, decisiveness, collaboration, inclusivity and empathy. They often combine these with the traits of resilience, emotional intelligence, self-awareness and integrity. These qualities make women highly skilled leaders, able to create a working culture focused on both teamwork and an understanding of the needs of the workers, such as the requirement for flexible working. This delivers not only support for higher team engagement and innovation but also contributes to stronger organisational performance.
