Export focus at PM

Knuckle boom crane manufacturer PM Group is targeting South American and Spanish markets by expanding its presence there.

The new sales branches are PM Group Iberica Potencia en Elevación SL in Madrid, Spain and PM Argentina Sistemas de Elevacion SA in Buenos Aires.

Giuliano Asperti, PM Group president explained that an “internationalisation strategy” is one of the company's most important objectives. “Creation of the two sales branches, in Spain and in Argentina, is clear evidence of it. It is precisely for this reason that we want to offer ever more innovative products, in order to meet the demands of the companies present in these markets,” Asperti said.

The new Argentina operation “will allow the company to take advantage of the opportunities offered by a country in strong expansion, with great growth perspectives in the short to medium term.” The Argentina office will also serve other local countries, including Uruguay, Peru, Bolivia, and Paraguay.

Commenting on the development Luigi Fucili, PM Group managing director said, “With the foundation of the two branches we aim to increase sales in Spain and to grow significantly in South American countries, reaching an increase in exports of 40% in these markets.”

The PM Group, present in over 100 countries throughout the world, currently counts seven foreign sales branches (two in France, two in Spain, one in the United Kingdom, one in the United States, and one in Argentina), which hold a main role in the sales structure of the Group from the Emilia Romagna Region. These branches allow the company to control the more important outlet markets, optimize processes for acquiring information and market trends, in order to guarantee greater speed and efficiency in post-sales services.

PM Group 2006 turnover was € 156.2 million, up by 19.4% over the previous year. Exports were a primary driver of this growth, up 38.9% on the previous year, taking a 56% share of total turnover for 2006, up about 10% on the previous year. The trend continued in the first nine months of 2007 where turnover was € 122.4 million, up 19.4% on the first nine months of 2006. PM Group forecasts 2007 turnover of € 175 million.