Manitou supports growth in Asia

Manitou is continuing to expand its presence in Asia from its regional hub based in Singapore. This year through Manitou Asia, the group has been developing a new local service platform for its regional networks. The objective is to support new markets, such as India, China or Indonesia, which are gradually adopting sophisticated handling equipment.

An important area of growth is mining, which is a vital part of these economies and is developing ahead of Manitou's traditional construction or agriculture markets (which are yet to emerge locally).

The Chinese construction market is becoming increasingly mechanised with higher levels of safety being employed in its operation.

Antoine Chazelle, Manitou's vice president of sales Asia said "The level of interest raised from major professional trade fairs and numerous dynamic demonstrations confirms our view that robust, easy-to-use machines can provide a direct response to the needs of Chinese construction companies. It is the mission of our local entity Manitou China to organise this opportunity for our dealers and users."

Manitou says that applications are currently based mainly around material distribution on site, crane base lifting or truck unloading, but housing, commercial and industrial building and civil engineering (roads, tunnels, bridges, etc.) construction projects provide substantial growth potential for all Manitou Group solutions.

Manitou anticipates that the incorporation of Manitou South Asia, based in Delhi, on 13 September will accelerate the distribution of Manitou products across the entire sub-continent because of its "reliable and powerful dealer network." Ms Chazelle said, " The use of masted forklifts, fixed or rotating telehandlers, skid-steers and access platforms offers infinite and completely safe working possibilities, a vital factor for professionals and government companies in India."