Genie opens China second phase

The opening ceremony for the second phase of Genie’s factory in China has taken place.

The facility in Changzhou covers 63800 square metres, including the 55000 square metre first phase, and includes manufacturing, as well as parts supply and after sales service.

Genie set up its factory in March 2011 and it soon became apparent increased space for service was required, along with the potential to refurbish used equipment in the future – a possible requirement as the China rental industry develops.

Clint Weber told AI that aerial work platform equipment is the only growth sector in the China construction machinery market. As a result, there are many newcomers to access in the country, including big players like Sany, which has set up a new factory in Nantong.

Sany’s strategy is to offer AWPs to its customers with very little, or no, down payment. Asked if Genie considered this a threat, Clint Webber, general manager of Genie China, said, “With 50 years history in the market, Genie is very good at engineering and building up a strong team to integrate into the industry.”

Mr Webber added that Genie is continually able to diversify in terms of new products, which makes it difficult for new players in the industry to compete at that level. “But, yes of course, Genie is adapting to the China market and offering different competition packages.”

Present at the opening was John Garrison, chairman of Terex; Matt Fearon, Genie president; Mark Duval, president of Terex China; and Jim Barr, who overseas Genie Asia Pacific – not including China; as well as Mr Webber.