Despite continued growth in the UK’s e-commerce and logistics sectors, too many small and medium operators are delaying essential warehouse investments, which could erode productivity and profit margins across the supply chain, according to Midland Pallet Trucks.
As online sales remain strong and consumer expectations for fast delivery intensify, warehouse operations are under more pressure than ever. However, thanks to economic pressures, too many firms are holding off on replacing or upgrading manual handling equipment until failures occur, the company claimed.
Failure to invest could lead to reactive maintenance, which can have a much higher cost than proactive investment, once lost productivity and downtime are factored in, the company warned.
Phil Chesworth, Midland Pallet Trucks managing director, said, “It’s understandable that in a tight economic climate, businesses want to control spending. But the irony is that delaying investment in essential handling equipment - pallet trucks, stackers, lift tables - often costs more in the long run.
“A single equipment breakdown can stall entire warehouse operations, especially during peak trading periods. Forward-thinking investment isn’t an expense; it’s a safeguard for efficiency and reliability.”
With warehousing underpinning the UK’s £170 billion logistics sector, even small operational inefficiencies can ripple throughout the supply chain. Research from Logistics UK found that over 8% of the national workforce is employed in logistics - yet many smaller operations lack access to modern, ergonomic equipment designed to improve safety and throughput.
Midland Pallet Trucks believes the gap between booming demand and underfunded infrastructure is widening, particularly among SMEs that operate on narrow margins.
“Warehouses don’t need to overhaul everything overnight,” Chesworth added. “But taking a phased approach, starting with the most critical equipment, helps future-proof operations and keeps businesses competitive.
“Those that invest now will be in a much stronger position to meet the challenges of 2026 and beyond.”
