Materials handling supplier, Barloworld Handling, has reported greatly improved financial performance for the year ended September 2011, with divisional revenue rising to R4709million (£362million). Barloworld Handling's operations in UK, Europe and Southern Africa all recorded double digit improvements in revenue and a return to operating profits. Barloworld Handling is the world's largest independent distributor of forklift trucks and related equipment.

In the UK, the company focussed on the provision of intelligent service to existing customers, leading to improved retention whilst also gaining significant new accounts. Phil Bastow, managing director for the the UK says "During the year the business performed particularly well in the ports, terminals and logistics sector, with some notable contract awards. We have a highly competitive offering in this area, matching class leading equipment to bespoke intelligent service, which truly helps customers to reduce cost and improve efficiency".

Utilisation across Barloworld's national short term hire fleet also grew as industry demand returned. The company has increased the size of its fleet and continued its investment in new Hyster trucks so that the fleet age profile and condition remains one of the best in the industry.

Energy efficient product introductions across the Hyster forklift and container handling range also helped to support opportunities as businesses look to achieve better environmental performance and reduce energy costs.

Barloworld Handling's parent company, Barloworld Ltd, also reported impressive year end results with annual revenue up 22% to R49,823M (£3.8billion). Barloworld Ltd is a large multinational corporation with representation in 41 countries and provides world class solutions in the industrial equipment, automotive and logistics sectors across the globe.