MHW Magazine News and stories from the Materials Handling Industry
2011 sees the 25th anniversary of FB Chain Ltd – one of the leading component suppliers to the materials handling industry.
"A company’s 25th anniversary is a significant accomplishment as it marks a quarter of a century in business and celebrates a prosperous future in the market," says Peter Church, managing director of the Hertfordshire-based outfit, which manufactures the type of leaf and roller chain used to ensure the smooth operation of a range of equipment from forklift trucks to conveyors.
"There is no doubt that the materials handling industry has changed dramatically over the years," says Peter Church.
He continues: "There has been considerable consolidation among both the leading forklift manufacturers and lift truck dealers and repairers. It is clear that the industry is becoming more sophisticated and the influences of scale and competition are more prevalent".
"Going forward I believe that independent forklift dealers are likely to get bigger and exert even more influence while the relationship between forklift manufacturers and their suppliers is likely to get closer.
"By this I mean that manufacturers will seek suppliers who are comfortable with sharing their business information in a partnership approach – a similar model to that employed by the automotive industry. As competition increases margins will be squeezed so an open and honest partnership is essential to ensure continuity of production in an efficient and cost effective manner.
"This has always been FB Chain’s approach and it is a philosophy that we expect to serve us well for the next 25 years."
