FEM is the voice of European manufacturers of materials handling, lifting and storage equipment. Founded in 1953 and now covering 7 product groups, FEM represents 16 members, representing 1,000 companies employing 160,000 people directly and many more indirectly with distributors, agents and contractors. The materials handling industry is an essential component of EU economy. It develops products, equipment and systems used in almost every manufacturing and distribution sector. Its remits go beyond the mere provision of technical tools and solutions to cover safety, environmental and energy aspects. The FEM mission is to represent the technical, economic and political interests of the industry, and communicate with the European institutions on its concerns and needs. FEM aims at developing a network to allow efficient exchange of information between its members and its product groups, and elaborate and defend common positions on matters affecting its industrial base. FEM encourages technical progress and safety at work through the establishment of guidelines and business codes. FEM also cooperates with other industrial sectors and international trade partners on issues of common interest.