Weight and see
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Lightweight tippers make a return to centre stage at Tip-Ex 2011 this week as truck, body and trailer manufacturers shed the pounds at Harrogate
Words: Kevin Swallow
After the moving-loor extravaganza in Harrogate 12 months ago, Tip-Ex 2011 is set to return to its roots, with tippers taking centre stage.
Manufacturers of bodies and trailers have been busy shedding pounds off the kerb weights of their new products, and the emphasis is on improving payload and productivity for the operator (see What’s New).
The positive signs emanating from the market could not be better illustrated than by some of the deals that have been struck this year (see Deals).
The increased activity is backed up by the SMMT. Between 2006 and 2008, registrations of 8x4 tippers were consistent and appeared to be on the verge of topping 4,000 each year.
However, one of the biggest victims of the recession was the construction market and its suppliers. As a result, 2009 saw sales hit rock bottom and last year produced fewer than 1,500 registrations.
There were signs of recovery at the end of 2010, with a major spike in sales, and this year many truck manufactur ers and bodybuilders believe the 8x4 market should recover by 20%.
The demise of construction show SED means Tip-Ex now carries a wider emphasis to the industry it serves.
“We don’t want to become a plant and construction show, but that construction transportation market is willing to seek us out,” says David Tallent, director of show organiser Tip-Ex, G&T Events. ■
● Tip-Ex 2011 runs from 10-12 June at the Harrogate International Centre.