According to market statistics compiled on behalf of the Association of Lorry Loader Manufacturers and Importers (ALLMI), sales rose 70% in 2011.
The UK lorry loader crane market is traditionally around 3,000 units a year. Sales peaked in 2007 at about 3,500 units before dropping to below 2,000 units in subsequent years. While ALLMI did not disclose unit sales, the 70% increase reported by ALLMI indicates a return to what the industry would consider normal market volumes.
ALLMI chairman Mark Rigby confirmed: “Sales improved significantly throughout last year, with an increase of over 70% compared to 2010.”
He added that the cranes were also becoming increasingly sophisticated, with more than half now fitted with wireless remote control. He said: “We’re seeing an ever increasing trend towards the use of remotes, with nearly 60% of invoiced sales relating to lorry loaders with control units of this type.” 
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