Progress in Pakistan shows no signs of stopping for VERLINDE FRANCE. Massive crane orders with Indus Toyota and Pak Suzuki have been followed up with the news that the global lifting giant will now commence jib crane delivery, direct from Pakistan.
With immediate effect (October 2011), jib manufacture based on Verlinde's kit mechanism has now begun, meaning that jibs with SWL 50kg -2 tonne will now be manufactured and available from stock in Pakistan on demand and to order, revolutionising the Verlinde service to customers in the sub-continent. Jib cranes are among the most in demand in the world due to their flexibility and lifting power and the Verlinde models are perfect for use in industrial /manufacturing environments and enable goods to be easily moved around or lifted safely between floors. This flexibility and reliability has made the Verlinde lifting solution such a popular choice in Pakistan and has led to the strategic decision to manufacture 'on the ground' in Pakistan to better meet the needs of local customers. Special aluminium jibs for water treatment applications will also be available from Verlinde Pakistan.
Commenting on the announcement, business development manager for Verlinde, Simon Rothechild, said: "Being able to announce work with big global players like Pak Suzuki and Indus Toyota so soon after Verlinde's move into Pakistan is amazing progress and to keep the momentum going, moving to manufacture now makes strategic sense and demonstrates our commitment to Pakistan as a major emerging market. Manufacturing here means we will be able to offer an unrivalled service to our Pakistani customers and we are really looking forward to seeing the project grow moving forwards."
"The decision to commence manufacture so soon has not been taken lightly, but that fact that we can so soon confirms the soundness of the decision to invest in Pakistan," said Shahid Akram, who as Verlinde's country representative has been hard at work with his Lahore based team in bringing this project to fruition. "Pakistan is a country with a great future and we are looking forward to seeing our cranes help build the future here."
Manufacture is underway in Verlinde's plant and the first cranes and components will be coming off the production line by late 2011. All Verlinde's existing products and services in the country remain available, including Chain Hoist, which is new from Pakistan and is a product in which Verlinde has direct expertise and it is available from stock immediately to offer a complete solution with the jibs. Verlinde is also able to supply the same equipment (including the ATEX explosion proof range) that customers in Pakistan are familiar with and the liaison office continues to have rapid access to genuine Morris brand spares for cranes, ensuring continuity of service for those customers.
"Manufacture in Pakistan is a major milestone in our plans to harness the potential the sub-continent can offer," said Thomas Descamps, managing director of Verlinde. "We are delighted to be moving so quickly; our colleagues on the ground in Pakistan are doing a fantastic job and as a company we are proud to be playing our part in this country's developing success story."