Zoomlion has global ambitions for construction hoist business

Zoomlion, one of the biggest construction equipment manufacturers in China, aims to be the world leader in hoists within five years.

The company entered the construction hoist sector in October 2010 with the acquisition of Chinese hoist manufacturer Tiger Machinery, based in Shanghai. Since that acquisition Zoomlion has expanded production facilities – adding production facilities in Shengyuan and Xian - and almost trebled sales levels from 1500 to 4000 units annually.

Mr Tang Shaofang, assistant to the general manager of Zoomlion’s hoist division, told IRN that the company had increased sales by exploiting its existing tower crane distribution channels in China. He said the first phase of the growth plan, up to 2014, was to become China’s biggest producer of construction hoists. Phase two would see the internationalisation of the business to become global market leader by 2017.

The current product line is for the domestic market only, and Mr Tang said Zoomlion would develop a range of hoists for international markets. He said acquisitions of non-Chinese hoist manufacturers would be a key part of the growth strategy.

The company showed its hoists at Bauma China, with SC200/200BX mid-speed, frequency controlled hoists being demonstrated. The company’s range includes eight models with capacities of up to 2 t and maximum hoisting speeds of 68 m/min.