A record 355 exhibitors with innovative supply chain solutions

Dozens of brand-new products launched at the show

Almost £14,000 raised for armed forces charities

Design 4 Safety Award winners revealed

Champion diver, Tom Daley, makes a splash at IMHX

With impressive stands, generous hospitality and intense networking, IMHX 2010 has given a real lift to the storage and handling sector. The industry's flagship exhibition, which took place from 16-19 November at Birmingham's NEC, showed a buoyant and business-like spirit that reflects the improved economic climate.

The show's joint organisers Quartz Publishing and Exhibitions Ltd and the British Industrial Truck Association (BITA) ¬- were delighted with both the quality and quantity of visitors, as well as the extremely positive mood at the event. "We have worked very hard over the last few years to attract the right people to IMHX," commented Paul Michael, Managing Director of Quartz, "and our exhibitors have told us that IMHX 2010 has been very successful for them. This is an industry show and co-operation between the exhibitors and organisers is vital - we listen to what our clients want and respond accordingly. For their part, our exhibitors put on a fantastic show." Commenting on the positive atmosphere at the show, James Clark, Secretary-General of BITA, said, "There were obviously some very serious discussions taking place at this year's show. Visitors and exhibitors alike were clearly upbeat about business prospects and a significant number of BITA members and other exhibitors have reported a very high level of interest and quality enquiries."

Thousands of supply chain solutions
Supported by main sponsor, Albury Asset Rentals - the UK's premier supplier of leasing and finance to the materials handling industry, having financed over 50,000 forklifts during the last 14 years - IMHX once again featured products and services from right across the logistics industry. For the first time in the show's history, IMHX also featured two special pavilions. Hosted by the Automated Material Handling Systems Association, the AMHSA Pavilion featured a number of its members in stands arranged around a central hospitality area. Commented AMHSA President, Mike Vernon, "By concentrating the presence of automation suppliers in one area of the show, the AMHSA pavilion provided a highly visible platform at IMHX from which the association could promote automated logistics." The Food & Drink Logistics Suppliers' Pavilion, sponsored by the Food Storage & Distribution Federation (FSDF), was also a new feature in this year's show, recognising that IMHX continues to attract large numbers of visitors from the food & drink sector.

Informative seminars and surgeries
IMHX 2010 featured a programme of over 30 highly informative and free seminars from industry leaders on the themes of Information Technology, Innovation and Environment. The show's organisers also teamed up with leading independent supply chain consultants, OPS Logistics Consultancy, to offer a free advice surgery for the very first time at IMHX. Visitors were able to take advantage of a free, 20-minute consultation with one of the industry experts from OPS to explore ways of increasing revenue, reducing costs and improving customer experience. Commented Kevin Holland, Senior Consultant for OPS, "Because the clinics were well promoted in advance of the show, visitors came with genuine issues to discuss and the feedback has been excellent."

First carbon-neutral logistics event
Once again breaking new ground, IMHX 2010 has been the first logistics trade exhibition to offset the CO2 produced through visitor travel to the venue. The show featured a special Environmental Zone, sponsored by Shell Gas (LPG), at which visitors were able to record their show travel footprint - at no cost to themselves - using a web-based carbon calculator. The show's organisers are offsetting this CO2 by planting trees within the UK through an accredited carbon offset partner. The Environmental Zone also featured a number of green solutions offered by exhibitors that contribute to a cleaner environment, energy efficiency and reduced waste.

Help for Heroes benefits to the tune of £14,000
With the logistics industry tracing its roots back to the military, it was fitting that the show's organisers chose Help for Heroes, along with the Benevolent Funds of the Royal Army Medical Corps and the Royal Fusiliers, as the official charities for IMHX 2010. Since its launch in 2007, Help for Heroes has raised over £44 million to support wounded service personnel and their families. As well as visitor donations through collection buckets around the show, exhibitors bid generously for exclusive items at a charity auction at the show's Gala Dinner on the Thursday night. Lots included signed sporting memorabilia, tickets to the 2011 British Grand Prix, a Kindle e-book reader and a T-shirt donated by champion diver, Tom Daley, who visited the show on the Thursday. In keeping with the military theme, dinner guests were joined by some armed forces heroes and entertained by the corps of drums of the Princess of Wales' Royal Regiment, in full military regalia.

IMHX Design 4 Safety Award winners revealed
The winners of the Design 4 Safety awards, jointly organised by IMHX co-owners Quartz and BITA, were announced at IMHX 2010. A new initiative to highlight the importance of product design in improving safety standards, the competition's entries were judged by an independent panel of materials handling and health and safety experts, with four finalists announced on the first day of the show and the overall winner - chosen by visitor voting - revealed on the final day.

The finalist for the Industrial Trucks category was Toyota Material Handling UK for its BT Pro Lifter hand pallet truck. This innovative product transfers power from the pump-action tiller arm to the truck's steering wheels to turn them a third of a revolution, helping to get the truck moving. This means that the truck requires up to 67% less starting effort than a standard hand pallet truck, reducing operator strain. In the Racking & Storage category, the finalist was the US company Sentry Protection Products and the firm's owner, Jim Ryan, collected the prize for its Rack Sentry 100mm Cut-out racking protector. Manufactured from durable polyethylene, the much-copied Rack Sentry is the original impact-absorbing column protector. Jim Ryan commented, "It's great to be back here in the UK. The show has been everything we expected and it's a real bonus to win one of the prestigious Design 4 Safety awards."

Transdek was the finalist in the Automation category, scooping first place for its innovative double deck lifts, developed over a period of seven years, for the safe loading and unloading of double deck trailers. The fourth finalist was Cooper SH, which won the Technology category with its NearGuard solution. This alert system for forklifts and other mobile machinery indicates both the direction and proximity of objects using sensors that search for RFID tags. The tags can be fitted to other machines or items such as compulsory clothing and a radar-like screen and alarm system indicate any imminent danger to the driver. From the four finalists, the one voted by visitors to IMHX 2010 as the overall winner of the inaugural Design 4 Safety awards was the BT Pro Lifter hand pallet truck from Toyota Material Handling UK, which attracted over 50% of the votes cast to win by a clear margin.

Major product launches - and all the fun of the fair!
As in previous years, exhibitors went to great lengths to ensure that IMHX was an exciting, enjoyable and educational experience for visitors.
Commonwealth Games gold medallist diver, Tom Daley, joined IMHX exhibitor, Bott, to show off his medals and sign autographs on the Thursday of the show. Bott, a leading UK manufacturer of industrial and workplace storage solutions, is one of Tom's sponsors, supporting him in the lead-up to the London Olympic Games in 2012. As well as showing its support for Britain's Olympic hopeful, Bott promoted its innovative and durable Cubio range of storage configurations. The result of a two-year R&D and testing programme, Cubio products feature reinforced steel housings, scuff resistant galvanised shelves and drawer sliders with up to 200kg capacity.

The world's largest forklift truck producer, Toyota Material Handling UK, once again sponsored the show's VIP valet parking scheme, allowing invited VIPs to drive straight up to the IMHX entrance, have their vehicle parked securely by a professional driver and enjoy access to the Premier Club Lounge with complimentary refreshments and Internet facilities. On its stand ¬- the largest at the show - the company provided the first opportunity for visitors in the UK to see the full range of Toyota counterbalance forklifts and towing tractors and BT warehouse equipment together since the merger of Toyota Industrial Equipment and BT Rolatruc in 2007. With the theme 'stronger together', the stand featured three live demonstration areas and a seminar theatre hosting a series of master-class workshops. Toyota also promoted its brand-new range of compact electric forklifts in capacities of 2.0, 2.5 and 3.0 tonnes. Featuring cushion solid tyres for excellent stability on a compact chassis, the 8FBCU models provide better performance than their predecessors thanks to higher drive and lifting speeds.

Motorsport fans had plenty to amuse them at the show. Bottled gas supplier Calor Gas was supported by British Touring Car Championship's Team AON - winners of the 2010 Independent Championship - which the company sponsors. As well as displaying one of the team's two-litre turbo Ford Focus cars, Calor Gas introduced visitors to drivers Tom Chilton, British Champion of the Independent Class 2010, and Tom Onslow Cole, who came fourth in the Main Championship.

Meanwhile, the stand of hydraulic and pneumatic hose replacement specialist Pirtek featured a British Touring Car Championship Vauxhall Vectra. The car's driver, 21-year-old Andrew Jordan, who is sponsored by Pirtek, visited the stand on the Tuesday and Thursday of the show. If that wasn't enough for the petrolheads, Shell Gas (LPG) played host to a Formula One car - a 2010 Ferrari - in the show's Environmental Zone. The company ran a competition on its stand for seven lucky winners to bag tickets to next year's British Grand Prix at Silverstone. Gracing the Flogas stand was a Porsche 917K, capable of 245mph, and Graham Turner, the car's owner and driver, was on hand to describe its features. Visitors to the Flogas stand also had the chance to win an exclusive weekend package to next year's British GP in a free prize draw.

Several exhibitors had Apple iPads up for grabs. Visitors to the Dexion stand had the chance to win one simply by having their show badge read by one of two bar code readers. Although best known for its racking and storage solutions, Dexion launched a new Warehouse Intelligence System, branded C-WIS, on its stand at the show. This new, stand-alone control system works independently of an existing ERP or WMS and uses real-time data from the current warehouse operation to optimise the flow of goods around the warehouse. Dexion claims that a payback period of just 6 to 9 months is possible for C-WIS.

Leading European truck manufacturer Jungheinrich gave visitors to its stand the opportunity to win an iPad on every day of the show. The company was promoting the twin themes of high productivity and low cost of ownership on its stand, where it offered visitors hospitality and the chance to view its large range of products including reach trucks with a lift height of 12 metres; the world's best-selling low level order pickers; powered pallet trucks including a Lithium Ion-powered truck concept; and a range of very narrow aisle stackers including the recently launched EKS Series of order pickers that use RFID technology to guide forklifts quickly and efficiently around the store.

Leading lift truck supplier Crown revealed two of its brand-new trucks - its first ever IC-engine counterbalance truck, the C-5, and the DT 3000 double stacker pallet truck - to the European market at the show. With capacities from 2.0 to 3.2 tonnes and featuring a 2.4 litre engine developed in collaboration with John Deere specifically for industrial applications, the C-5 counterbalance has already been well received in the US - Crown's home market - and the UK has been chosen as the first European market to launch the product. Explained Ken Dufford, Crown's Vice President, Europe, "This truck opens up a new portion of the market for us. We have a lot of customers who are looking for a full range and many of them want a gas-fuelled lift truck, so the counterbalanced C-5 allows us to offer them a complete package, making Crown a one-stop shop." The other new truck promoted at the show, the DT 3000, is a stacker truck aimed at Continental markets. Designed to handle two Euro pallets simultaneously, it is ideal for loading and unloading operations within trailers.

Visitors to Dematic's stand had the chance to enter a prize draw to win a top of the range bike worth £3,000 from Dematic customer and leading on-line bicycle retailer, Chain Reaction Cycles. Dematic used IMHX to promote its conveyor pick technology, voice solutions and WMS software capabilities. The company also demonstrated its Multishuttle automated storage and retrieval system and - on the Toyota Material Handling stand - its Voice+ laser-guided driverless truck technology.

IMHX organiser Quartz also joined in the competition frenzy, giving away no less than five Amazon Kindles on each of the four days of IMHX. The ebook readers, which retail at £109, were won by lucky visitors who had both pre-registered for IMHX and actually attended the event, with the winners announced at 2pm each day.

Visitors looking for the familiar name of Exide Technologies were introduced to the company's new branding: GNB Industrial Power. Taking pride of place on the firm's stand was a Honda Insight Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) that has been retro-fitted with GNB's advanced lead carbon AGM (absorbed glass matt) batteries. Explained Elaine McLeod, Marketing Communications Manager, "Until recently, the high power density of lead-acid has been overlooked for HEV applications because virtually none of the designs seemed optimal. The reality is that the battery requirements of the HEV ¬- with its short, frequent cycles and infrequent over-charging - actually fit the characteristics of AGM lead-acid chemistry." The firm also used IMHX to promote Power Gap, its recently launched traction battery rental solution that helps fleet managers to bridge any gaps in their energy requirements at peak times of the year - such as the run up to Christmas - without a major investment in capital equipment.

Recently rebranded forklift manufacturer Flexi Narrow Aisle Ltd celebrated the 20th anniversary of the development of its 'Flexi' articulated truck concept by demonstrating two new additions to its range at IMHX. The Flexi VNA truck is designed to offer faster, safer work cycles with optimum stability and lift heights up to 7.9 metres in aisles as narrow as 1.6 metres. The Flexi HiLOAD articulated truck, meanwhile, can lift loads of 2.5 tonnes to heights of 9.5 metres, thanks to its unique, heavy-duty vision tilting lift mast design. Flexi Narrow Aisle's Sales and Marketing Director, John Maguire, used the show to explain that the company's new image - which sees the brand 'Flexi' used before 'Narrow Aisle Ltd' - is aimed at helping to secure business in emerging markets in the Middle and Far East plus South America.

IMHX visitors were the first to see the innovative handling solutions of the US firm Kiva Systems Inc. Explained Peter Blair, Director of Marketing Communications, "We are showing the KIVA system for the first time in Europe here at IMHX. We have installed a system in the UK for Gap and they are happy with it, so we wanted to see what the UK market's response would be to this technology. So far, it has been very good." In the company's distribution centre automation concept, stock and orders are stored on mobile shelving units that are moved by a fleet of autonomous robots. With operators standing still while inventory is delivered to them, the Kiva Mobile Fulfillment System helps companies to simplify operations and reduce costs, while increasing strategic flexibility.

In an eye-catching demonstration on the stand of warehouse automation specialist KNAPP, totes travelled at high speed in a live demo of the company's OSR Shuttle sorter. This new type of dispatch buffer is a modular solution, installed in the goods-out area, and uses technology from KNAPP's proven OSR Shuttle system. Totes ready for distribution are fed to flow-rack channels by a shuttle, with each customer order assigned to one or more channels and the system taking into account delivery route sequencing. KNAPP also promoted the wider OSR Shuttle™ range, which now boasts over 5,000 shuttles installed at over 100 customer sites worldwide.

Korean forklift manufacturer Doosan launched its DT160 tele-handler at IMHX. With a capacity of 16 tonnes, this heavyweight is available with forks, cranes, platforms and bucket attachments. Over 80 Doosan models are now available in the UK, marketed in two distinct ranges: the higher specification Pro-5 series and the entry-level GX range.

Exhibitor Spaciotempo used IMHX to showcase its range of temporary, semi-permanent and permanent building solutions for logistics clients. As well as tailor-made and off-the-shelf buildings, the company also supplies its Ready Box range of retractable tunnels for industrial and sporting applications. One of these folding, modular tunnels - which range from 1 to 12 metres in width and 2 to 4 metres in height, with unlimited length was recently supplied to Chesterfield FC's brand-new stadium as a player tunnel.

Now under joint ownership, Combilift and Aisle-Master are two of Ireland's most successful materials handling brands. Their combined display at this year's IMHX included nine Combilifts and four Aisle-Masters from their wide range of 4-way and narrow aisle trucks. Visitors were treated to some legendary Irish hospitality at the stand's Guinness bar, as well as entertainment in the form of the 'dancing' Combilift compact counterbalance CB trucks every half hour. Aisle-Master's corporate colour has changed to bright yellow and its trucks are now engineered with 'over articulation', offering a better degree of accuracy while operating in a narrow aisle. On show for the first time at IMHX was the new Aisle-Master 15E model, a 1.5 tonne capacity truck for operation in very narrow confines.

Hyundai Heavy Industries Europe has invested millions in new research and production facilities at its plant in Ulsan, South Korea, to continue its product development and treble production capacity. Hyundai's display at IMHX included the latest addition to its 75-model range, the 50L-7A. Shown for the first time in Europe at the show, this truck is a 5.0 tonne LPG machine and the first of a new range that will also feature 3.0, 4.0 and 4.5 tonne models. Its main features are a newly configured engine that complies with Tier 4 emissions standards and a different drive-line, with a new front axle arrangement.

Industrial computer and vehicle-mounted terminal provider DloG (UK) Ltd unveiled its new XMT 5 and MTC 6 terminals at the show. Incorporating the latest technology, these rugged industrial computers provide fast and error-free data capture and transmission for the supply chain. The new models feature LED touch screens, which have distinct advantages over traditional liquid crystal displays in temperature-controlled applications, making them suitable for use in both deep-freeze warehouses and ambient applications. This, the company claims, means that companies working with wide temperature ranges no longer need to operate two different types of industrial computer.

Leading manufacturer of pallet stretchwrap bpi.films marked its inaugural appearance at IMHX with the launch of a brand-new product, WrapsmartMax (WSmax). Marketing Manager, Louise Aplin, said the new film would allow users of standard stretchwrapping machines to "boost their green credentials, reduce costs and improve efficiency". Part of a new generation of downgauged films, WSmax delivers the same pallet protection, stability and security as thicker films. The result for users is less film by weight, creating less packaging waste ¬- plus the waste can be reprocessed after use, as WSmax, like all bpi.films' pallet stretchwraps, is 100% recyclable. Despite its thinner gauge, WSmax can be stretched by up to 150%, enabling users to further reduce their 'wrap per pallet' consumption.

Safety specialist Pyroban Group launched System 6000, its new generation of 'Zone 2' explosion-proof forklift conversions, on the opening day of IMHX 2010. Designed for operation in areas where flammable liquids, bottled gases and aerosols are present, System 6000 is suitable for all types of diesel and electric mobile equipment, continuously monitoring the environment and automatically shutting down the machinery if necessary. Explained Malcolm Davis, Business Development Manager of Pyroban, "It supersedes our award-winning system 5000 with new software, new hardware and most importantly with infrared and pellistor gas sensing options, so that virtually all material handling applications where there could be a gas or vapour hazard can be managed with the most appropriate Zone 2 technology."

Articulated forklift supplier Translift Bendi Ltd used IMHX as the platform to launch no fewer than five new machines, bringing its total product range to 17. The new trucks - all articulated - are the Mini Bendi pedestrian forklift, the B420 AC, the B420 AC HL (High Lift), the Bendi EU (European Truck, a hybrid of the original Bendi and a traditional support arm stacker) and the Bendi Arctic, the company's first cold store model. Commented Simon Brown, Managing Director of Translift Bendi Ltd, "The show has been fantastic. We have had an unprecedented level of interest in our new products, as well as our existing ones, which is great in the present financial climate."

TVH UK Ltd - the worldwide supplier of forklifts, aerial platforms and spare parts - used the show to launch several new products including SmartSweep, an environmentally friendly sweeper. Driven by a standard forklift truck without the need for a hydraulic connection, SmartSweep is up to 70% cheaper than a conventional sweeper. Suitable for both indoor and outdoor use in dry conditions, SmartSweep features two pneumatic tyres and a rubber support wheel that combine to give a very small turning circle.

Hubtex, a leading supplier of equipment to handle long and difficult loads, chose IMHX for the launch of its new 'baby' sideloader, the MS27. Designed for the smaller user handling long loads in confined areas or small premises, the new truck can be used both inside and outside and can handle loads up to 2700kg. Hubtex also showcased its wide range of electric-, diesel- and LPG-powered 4-way and multi-directional sideloaders.

Warehouse software specialist Delta Software launched its supply chain performance management dashboard - DeltaDashboard - at the show. This graphical reporting tool boosts supply chain performance through warehouse process improvement and can be used with any SCM or WMS system. Providing a real-time, performance dashboard view of warehouse operations with instant reporting of productivity levels, Delta claims that DeltaDashboard is a powerful management tool.

Logistics software and warehouse equipment provider Savoye demonstrated its new Picking Tray System (PTS) on its stand at IMHX. This goods-to-man solution consists of several autonomous, powered shuttles that use capacitors instead of the usual banks of batteries or cables to increase flexibility and facilitate maintenance. Typically operating three vehicles via a single elevator, the PTS is able to transport most sizes of tote with productivity of between 500 and 1,000 lines per man-hour.

Key management specialist Traka and loading bay solutions supplier Easilift Loading Systems each promoted the new warehouse dock door anti drive-off system, which the two companies have developed together, at the exhibition. This unique and pioneering dock door management system is designed to help stop accidents and injuries at the loading bay caused by premature vehicle drive-aways.

Visitors to the IMC Group/Lamerholm Electronics stand were able to test out an incredibly clever product, the ShockWatch impact indicator. This smart, self-adhesive label features an impact sensor to help prevent damage to fragile goods. The attention-grabbing devices act as a strong visual deterrent to unacceptable handling. Affixed directly to goods or packaging, the ShockWatch labels - which contain a tube filled with red liquid held in suspension - detect and record impact and mishandling. Available in five sensitivities, as indicated by the five different colours, the devices cannot be reset once activated.

TEK Seating Ltd, the biggest independent OEM and aftermarket vehicle seat distributor in the UK, unveiled its brand-new KAB Compact seat at this year's show. Available in both mechanical and air suspension versions, with the option of fabric or PVC trim, the new seat is suitable not only for forklifts but also other types of mechanical handling plant.

Goplasticpallets.com unveiled its brand-new, pure yellow hygienic plastic pallet on its stand at IMHX 2010. The pallet is manufactured using the finest quality food grade virgin HDPE (high-density polyethylene) and has totally smooth, sealed surfaces, making it easy to clean either manually or with an automated system.

Samuk Lift Trucks Ltd previewed two J Series electric compact trucks, due to be officially launched early next year, at IMHX. The company exhibited no less than 17 of its truck models, which range from a 2-tonne tow tractor to a 12-tonne counterbalance truck and are all designed and manufactured by Hangcha, the biggest lift truck company in China.

Egemin Automation promoted its automatic trailer loading solution, E'tl, at the show. This state-of-the-art technology allows automated guided vehicles (AGVs) to drive into trailers to place and retrieve palletized and other unit loads fully automatically. The advanced E'tl vehicles can also handle a variety of other operations including high-reach warehouse storage and retrieval.
On show for the first time in the UK was the Unitower C automated storage and retrieval system from Kasto. This storage system is designed to hold sheet metal as well boxes, drums, pallets and long stock. Modular and easy to operate, the Unitower C is an economical solution to storage in machine shops and distribution centres.

Edmolift UK Ltd - leading manufacturer and supplier of scissor lift tables, loading bay equipment, goods lifts, ergonomic lifters and work positioners - used IMHX 2010 for the worldwide launch of its brand-new, pit-free MultiDock loading bay lift. Requiring virtually no installation, the MultiDock can be put into operation within 15 minutes of delivery. With twin operator safety zones and a full perimeter safety edge, the company claims that roll cages can be offloaded in complete safety by one man in half the time.
Specialist materials handling equipment supplier Stanley Handling promoted its expertise in supplying bespoke trucks for demanding applications. New for IMHX was its PT range of battery-powered stairclimbers for wheelchairs, featuring no less than 5 models, all of which are fitted with on-board chargers and can be folded for easy transport or storage.

Barcode and RFID solutions supplier Inotec showcased three new products on its stand at the show. Pak-sense is an electronic temperature tracking label that provides information on product temperature that is accurate to within +/- 0.2˚C, with a visual alert for out-of-range temperatures. Duraline Rapid is Inotec's fast drying, permanent route identification system, which can be applied in a range of colours in cold stores down to -30˚C. The third new product from Inotec is Floorblock ¬- a durable, floor-mounted barcode or RFID information label.

Returnable transit packaging specialist Schoeller Arca Systems revealed its brand-new Magnum Optimum™ range of pallet boxes for heavy loads on the first day of IMHX. The new product offers cost savings through having up to 10% more usable interior volume, securing a volume reduction of 25% when returned empty and having a tare weight that is 25% lower.

On its stand, Axxom Software AG showcased its smartphone and pad apps, designed to optimise logistics and production. Under the slogan 'Axxom goes app', the company demonstrated how its apps enable users to plan and to optimise supply chain and production processes on mobile devices such as Apple's iPhone or RIM's Blackberry. The new apps allow executives to access key data from Axxom solutions and then perform analysis and re-planning functions.
Automated handling specialist SSI Schaefer showed visitors its innovative storage, handling and picking systems, including the new Orbiter deep pallet storage and retrieval device and the company's latest 'silent conveyor' system. The company also promoted i-Pick, a cost-effective, entry-level pick-by-light system which consists of a touch-screen PC with preinstalled i-Pick software.

Overhead conveying specialist Dürkopp Fördertechnik highlighted a number of recent innovations on its stand, including the Pick Rotor for the automatic picking and sorting of hanging goods, which can transport and sort in excess of 10,000 items per hour and the Split Tray Sorter, which has the capacity to move up to 20,000 items an hour.

Mobile weighing specialist RAVAS showed off its new generation of scale forks for lift trucks - iForks - on its stand at the exhibition. The product is the first completely wireless scale forks system for forklift trucks, using Bluetooth technology to communicate with the cab-mounted weight indicator. With all components fully integrated in the forks, the iForks have no external cabling whatsoever. Dubbed 'plug & weigh' by RAVAS, iForks can be installed onto any truck in a matter of minutes to provide instant and accurate weighing of all loads.

Schabmuller, producers of electrical drives and generators for mobile equipment, used IMHX to announce the appointment of Midland Group as its sole sales, service and parts centre for UK and Ireland. Commented Gary Millington, Sales Director for Midland Group, "We are delighted that we are now one of only six authorised worldwide partners of Schabmuller Motors. The exclusive announcement of the new dealership at IMHX gives us an ideal launch pad to promote one of the world's largest materials handling motor brands to the UK."

As well as the 'big boys' in the materials handling industry, this year's IMHX featured a large number of smaller stands, with many exhibitors presenting at the show for the very first time. Said Andrew Robinson, Managing Director of Autotech Controls Ltd, which took a stand in the AMHSA pavilion, "We're delighted that we decided to exhibit at IMHX. We've been networking with our key clients and suppliers and we feel that the show has really paid off for us." Another first-time exhibitor was industrial safety matting manufacturer Plastic Extruders Ltd. Said Keith Rosser, the company's UK Sales Manager, Matting Division, "We have a number of high quality leads to follow up and we're definitely considering attending the next IMHX." Mounty Ltd is another company that had not attended IMHX before. The firm decided to exhibit its new device with which hauliers can apply and remove edge protectors, the Mounty Applicator. Using a telescopic pole to avoid working at height, this innovative product has already been recognised by the Health & Safety Executive. Said Ruth Ryan, Director of Mounty, "IMHX has been fantastic for us. We weren't sure what to expect but we have picked up some fabulous distributors and some great contacts within the haulage industry. I feel that we are set to make a great return on our investment in terms of being here at IMHX, so we're very pleased."

Rob Fisher, Publishing and Exhibitions Director for Quartz, concluded, "IMHX 2010 has been a hugely successful event, with an exceptional turnout of high calibre buyers and decision-makers from a wide range of logistics and supply chain operations. Our VIP scheme has once again attracted senior executives from the likes of Tesco, Sainsbury, Ocado, DHL, 3663, Rolls Royce and Wincanton. The success of IMHX 2010 has encouraged a large number of our exhibitors to sign up for the next IMHX, which will take place from 19-22 March 2013. To book your stand at the UK's premier logistics event, call the IMHX sales team on 01895 454600."