Association of Loading and Elevating Equipment Manufacturers ALEM keeps its members in touch

With the many pressures on businesses to perform, it’s often difficult to find time to keep abreast of market movements, new legislation and industry developments. That’s where an industry association like ALEM can really prove its worth.

The Association of Loading and Elevating Equipment Manufacturers represents the interests of UK manufacturers and suppliers of loading bay equipment including dock levellers, scissor lifts, tail lifts and dock shelters. It provides cost-effective, tangible benefits to its members by its ability to update them on a wide range of topical issues, from new legislation and standards to networking opportunities and market developments.

One of the Association’s main aims is to make both industry and end users aware of the standards and regulations that must be complied with in order to meet current UK and European legislation. Armed with this knowledge, and with the full support of the Health and Safety Executive, ALEM members are also much better placed to counter the threat of cheaper, unregulated, potentially unsafe and inferior machinery and equipment that can find its way to market from non EU countries.

An important aspect of ALEM’s work is its close association with the committees that govern the European standards affecting UK businesses. Jon Tridgell, current President of ALEM, explains: "Keeping abreast of European legislation and standards can be a minefield. But it’s crucial if a business wants to stay one step ahead of the market. Our members have access to the FEM, the representative industry body in Europe for similar products. This gives members a link with developments happening in Europe, as well as the chance to influence decision makers for the benefit of the UK industry."

In the UK, members are represented on various influential bodies as a means of maintaining close ties with an ever-changing market. The Association’s wide range of contacts means networking, often something of a luxury to small companies, is easier to achieve and more focused. The Association also retains a Technical Consultant to provide industry input and an authoritative voice to support the UK position within Europe.

ALEM members must be committed to complying with all relevant European Standards, the UK Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations and CE marking. In return for this commitment, the Association offers support, technical expertise and an unrivalled position within the industry, both in Europe and at home.

Tim Faithfull, ALEM’s Secretary, sums up the Association’s enviable reputation, "Our members’ refusal to compromise on the quality of their products and support services means that businesses buying from an ALEM member know that they are dealing with a company that takes its responsibilities, and its customers, seriously."