In 1953 , the Fédération Européenne de la Manutention ( now European Materials Handling Federation ) was created with the aim of fostering exchange and technical cooperation among European manufacturers of materials handling , lifting and storage equipment . More than 60 years later , this technical work is still the backbone of FEM activity . Several dozens of technical guidance documents on materials handling equipment are in use all over the world and certainly contribute to the recognition of FEM worldwide . However , FEM has widened the range of its activities that now include legislative monitoring , international cooperation , statistics , communication , cooperation with trade exhibitions … FEM now counts 15 members representing some 1,000 companies employing 160,000 people directly and generating € 45bn annual turnover ( 2013 ). It is one of the largest sectors within the European mechanical engineering industry , with many companies as world leaders , and it contributes significantly to EU wealth , notably thanks to a € 18bn positive trade balance .