JCHI set to expand Airo into China

Beijing Jincheng Heavy Industry (JCHI) is set to open a new factory in China to potentially manufacture Airo platforms.

JCHI, which already produces platforms in China, took majority ownership of Italy-based manufacturer Airo in February last year.

Michelle Yu, director of marketing at JCHI, said it had been looking to buy a manufacturer of high quality access equipment for some time, and took the opportunity to acquire Airo at an attractive price following the slump in the Italian economy.

JCHI produces its range of crane and access products, including articulating and telescopic booms, scissors, tracked platforms and vertical masts, in Beijing. They are aimed at the Chinese and Asia Pacific markets.

Airo’s products are currently produced in Luzzaro Italy for the international market – the company also has offices in France, Spain and Brazil. That may be set to change with a new factory in China which would see Airo products aimed at China and the surrounding region.

“The idea is to have a sales network for both companies through Asia Pacific and Europe, but we will keep the two brands.” said Ms Yu,” The Airo products are more expensive and we want to reduce their price, so we may build a factory for them in China.

“The construction market for access equipment in China is very small, but it will grow in the future. There is a trend for big construction projects with foreign contractors to use many access platforms. Airo products are high quality and better suited to general construction.”