Overseas purchasing of UK-produced bulk handling equipment could be boosted thanks to a stronger export market.
The Manufacturing Outlook report, published today as part of a collaboration between BDO and the Engineering Employers Federation (EEF) to mark the start of Manufacturing Week, reveals a larger than expected improvement in output and orders during the first quarter of 2010.
It showed that nine per cent of manufacturing companies reported rising output over the past three months as well as expressing positive responses on new export orders.
Tom Lawton, head of manufacturing at BDO, said: "It is great news to see so many positive indicators from the EEF/BDO survey.
"UK manufacturers do look to be making impressive gains in exports and it is hoped that the weakness of the pound enables further inroads to be made in both developed and the hugely growing emerging markets."
With the pound retaining its weaker value, now could be a good time for suppliers to market products overseas where purchasers will be looking to bag a British bargain.
Heavy-duty industrial machinery such as chain and flight conveyors, bucket elevators and volumetric feeders could be in greater demand from overseas companies who are looking to UK exports.