KOBELCO HARNESSES GROWTH

Crawler crane manufacturer, Kobelco Cranes, based in Japan, says it is realising the potential of the Middle Eastern market following the region's investment in infrastructure and the energy sector. In its first six months results for the 2007 financial year, which ended 29 September, Kobelco sold 420 new machines in total, a 20% increase over the 320 units sold in the first half of the 2006 fiscal year.

“In particular, higher sales volume in the Middle East, North America and Southeast Asia contributed to the result. Moreover, overseas sales of crawler cranes comprised nearly 80% of the number of units sold.”

In the Middle East, Kobelco cranes has been involved with the construction of railways, airports and LNG refining facilities, supported by the “abundant” capital gained from high oil prices, said the company.

“Not only did the number of machines sold directly to the Middle East increase, but sales efforts to major contractors and rental companies led to the use of marketing networks in Europe, Southeast Asia and South Korea to supply the Middle East market.”

Kobelco is optimistic about the future. “Investment in mega projects in the Middle East are projected to continue to be firm. As a result, world crane demand is forecast to continue being strong.”