abilities". Speaking about FEM priorities, he stressed that "as a Federation, we are totally committed to improvements in quality standards, safety and energy efficiency for all our products" and called for effective market surveillance for all materials handling products entering and circulating in the EU. "If this is not done, then it is not only the profits of our companies which will suffer but the mere existence of our companies and the people they employ". Mr. Meale also mentioned the problem posed by the volatility and fluctuation of raw material costs, and in particular steel.