Handling equipment, depending on the production cycle and use, returned to growth in 2010 (+13%), particularly for all industrial handling trucks (electric and thermal) following a significant drop in 2009 (-28%). The recovery was moderate compared to the market in 2002-2003 (45 000 machines), but much lower than the boom in 2006-2007 (60 000 machines). Production of all handling equipment amounted to just over €2.8 billion in 2010, with handling trucks accounting for most of this increase. Electric trucks rose by 11.5 % and thermal trucks by 23.4% (versus 52% in 2008). After shrinking in 2009, the service market reversed the trend in 2010. The same is true for used equipment. However, single-load and shelving systems remained at a low level.

Handling machinery upgrades concern ergonomics and safety, not to mention a strong tendency towards on-board electronics. Automation is growing in France and huge efforts have been made, particularly in terms of recycling end-of-life accessories (batteries, tyres, etc.). The second-hand market is doing quite well, and it is particularly useful for companies under five years old needing to start up their activity, or where handling is not the core business. Another tendency is better prevention and safety, via visibility, machine accessibility and user comfort. Handling is subject to technical and technological improvements dictated by business growth, regulations, safety requirements and sustainable development considerations (65% of companies take the latter into account).

The handling market is highly competitive, which forces manufacturers to constantly innovate, proposing ever more efficient models.
Aprolis (long-term rental activity of the Monnoyeur Group) proposes a new range of electric order processors, like the LP 3500 series (1 ton load capacity, diagonal lift, 0.5 kph speed) and the NOH10N and NOH10NH series (1 ton capacity, ASC roll-proof system, seated/standing driver); DT 3000 initial lift double stacker (Crown) (capacity 2 tons or 2x1 ton and manned use in trucks), etc.
Atlet is launching 5 new front-load forklift trucks (EH 20-30) with a load capacity of 2 to 3 tons and 21 kph maximum speed (premium seat, steering synchronizer, fingertip controls, load absorber), etc.
Balyo (specialist in guided machines) is marketing two machines: an electric automated truck (without driver) with a capacity of 5 tons (laser scanner searcher, 13 kph) that can switch to manual mode; a compact geo-guided pallet truck (without driver) suitable for small spaces (capacity 1.8 to 2 tons).
BT France has developed a line of 4 electric trucks (C3E150, C3E160L, C3E180L and C3E200, driver seat, capacity 1.5 to 2 tons), 3 manned electric pallet trucks (LWE 180 - 200 - 250) (capacity 1.8 tons, 2 tons and 2.5 tons, reduced width 726 mm), 2 manned electric stackers (SWE 120 and 140) (capacity 1.2 tons and 1.4 tons).
Fenwick (Kion Group) has a range of front-load electric forklift trucks of under 2 tons including the E16 (capacity 1.6 tons, 16 kph, adjustable driver seat) and three manned electric pallet trucks (T16, T18, T20) (capacity 1.6 to 2 tons, reduced width 720 mm).
Hyundai is presenting four new LPG forklift trucks (Tier 4 motor with low gas emissions) 35L-7A to 50L-7A series (capacity 3.5 to 5 tons, 23.8 kph) fitted with the OPSS (Operating Presence Sensing System) safety system.

The use of handling equipment is regulated depending on the type of machine and any user must follow a certain number of instructions and recommendations about workplace safety, training and driving. Depending on the type of business, there are a certain number of rules to respect, as defined by the Labour Code, which stipulate the need to have a safety plan covering all premises and machine and pedestrian traffic, including personal safety. According to the directives of the Caisse Nationale d’Assurance Maladie (CNAM) (national insurance authority) and article R4323-55 of the Labour Code, “only employees who have received the appropriate training may drive mobile power trucks and professional equipment used for lifting. This training must be supplemented and updated whenever necessary.” Consequently, according to article R4323-56 of the Labour Code, a permit is required to drive certain machines such as manned power trucks. The employer issues the permit to the driver if he or she meets the following conditions:
- a mandatory medical exam by the medical officer to determine the driver’s fitness;
- ability to read and write French (to understand the safety instructions on the machine);
- knowledge of the premises and the rules applying at the place(s) of use;
- a test of the driver’s knowledge and know-how to safely drive machines, delivered in a training course (3 to 5 days)

The Scottish dairy herd is estimated at 223 000 head (9% of the United Kingdom herd) and 1,132 million litres of milk are produced (£302 million). There are 1 740 dairy farms (110 cows on average), mainly located in the south-west. Scotland is a farming country that produces excellent cheeses, like the world-famous cheddar, a hard un-pasteurized cheese that is firm and oily, made from cow’s milk (cylindrical, 40 cm high, 35 kg, six months’ maturing); Bonchester cheese (AOP, soft cheese made from whole cow’s milk with a mould rind and the same shape, taste and texture as Brie);Dunlop (un-pasteurized hard cheese made from cow’s milk that dates back to Charles II), with a mild, slightly acid taste;