Sales of forklift trucks are set to beat the highest levels recorded before the onset of the financial crisis in 2007. 

This is according to the findings of a new report from Oxford Economics, which was commissioned by the British Industrial Truck Association (BITA). 

Total shipments are forecast to rise by ten per cent to 30,399 over the coming year - and orders are in line for a 6.8 per cent increase to 32,087, which would be above the peak recorded in 2007. 

Some 83 per cent of BITA members expect modest growth in the sector for 2015, with the remaining 17 per cent expecting significant growth. 

BITA secretary-general James Clark said manufacturing confidence seems to be a little behind the wider economy, but orders could improve further as this does. 

"We will see counterbalance shipments beginning to climb, supported by the new generation of ultra-low emission trucks coming through, and hybrid versions which can be used inside and out," he remarked.