IT'S full steam ahead with production at the UK headquarters of forklift truck giants Linde Material Handling.

Stephen Moule, sales and marketing director, is predicting that the workforce in the state-of-the-art factory in Kingsclere Road will turn out more than 9,000 units by the end of the year.

It adds up to a 6.5 per cent increase on 2003 after important fleet orders have been secured with leading companies in the automotive, distribution and retail sectors.

The UK materials handling market has recorded tremendous growth over the past five years. In 2003, units sold into the market by all manufacturers rose 7.5 per cent - faster than the general economic trend.

Mr Moule said: "For the first six months of 2004, the growth rate has accelerated, with an increase of almost 12 per cent, and we believe the market will reach 32,000 units for the full year.

"This represents a tremendous opportunity for Linde to continue to lead and increase its market share even further." Linde, which this summer celebrated its 125th anniversary, is now moving forward to meet demand with two new appointments.

David Millett has joined in the key position of national accounts director and brings with him 34 years of experience in the materials handling industry. He has moved from being sales director at Linde Creighton.

Based in Basingstoke, Mr Millett will report directly to Mr Moule, who said: "David's energy and skill will bring a new momentum to our national accounts operation and will ensure we pursue every business opportunity with renewed drive and focus."

Paul Irving has been made managing director of Linde Material Handling South East.

He replaces Terry Foreman, who restructured the company and oversaw its successful transfer to new premises in Camberley, before retiring.

Mr Irving was previously general manager of Regentruck, a subsidiary of Linde Material Handling, and has spent most of his career in the business.

He faces the challenge of managing one of Linde's key national network companies and leading it into a new era of growth and success by focusing and acting on customers' issues to provide them with a service that is second to none.

Linde is about to publish its second White Paper. The first dealt with safety, and this new release is "The Working Environment".

It will cover ergonomics in truck design as well as emissions, sound levels and the recycling of materials used in the construction of handling equipment.