Pallet handling market expected to improve

The automatic and pallet handling systems market was relatively quiet, says Aetna UK, but many proposals were put on hold rather than cancelled, 2005 will be better.

Aetna UK say that although 2004 was generally another good year for Robopac, there was a marked difference in the fortunes of fully automatic and semi automatic machines in the marketplace.

The fully automatic and pallet handling systems segment was relatively quiet with regular orders received from existing blue chip customers putting in new production lines.

There was a little growth over the previous year, but new investment was scarce in the area of automatic pallet wrapping and handling systems.

However the good news was that many proposals were put on hold rather than cancelled, so there is a strong feeling that 2005 will see a greater level of activity.

During the year there was a good deal of interest in the automatic placing of corner protection pieces, which are now being seen as the answer to the corner damage which is sometimes experienced when using carton multi packs or lower quality corrugated outers which are delivered directly into store.

There was no further market pressure to wrap any faster, but the need to achieve optimum wrapping combined with the minimum use of film continued to be of great importance.

In this respect the market is coming to recognise the key nature of the pallet stretch wrapper and its importance for minimising film costs and reducing product damage whilst improving load retention.

Interestingly the semi automatic segment of the market behaved in a very different manner.

With sales over the previous year some 46% up, Aetna were kept really busy keeping pace with demand! Aetna identified a growth in the semi automatic market in 2004 through changing trends in UK warehouse and distribution methods.

However it was also believed that with a squeeze on major investments, companies found it easier to purchase semi auto units through existing budgets rather than have to go to board for approval.

Aetna believes this momentum will be maintained into 2005 and expect another 10% growth in sales of these units next year.

During the year, Aetna demonstrated the Robopac range of machinery at various exhibitions including TOTAL.

Aetna's managing director Mark Tucker said.

" We have found that over the years, vertical shows produce a really positive return on investment.

They have provided us with an excellent showcase for our products and we will continue to exhibit in 2005.

" With a settled and very experienced sales team, a very strong lead generation and distribution network and a very effective geographically based service organisation, Aetna believe the market now has total confidence in their ability to provide the very best package for all semi automatic pallet wrapping requirements.

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