Snorkel eyes Chinese expansion

Snorkel aims to expand production at its Chinese facility over the next 12 months.

The company, which initially outsourced its Chinese manufacturing to local player Dingli, has been producing in China since October 2008 and is now making TM12s and several UL models at its own facility in Jintan, Jiangsu province.

Nick Sowden, Snorkel's vice president for Asia Pacific, told Access International that the SPM20 and PAM 26 models would be in production by early 2011. The facility provides 5800 m² of production space; "We intend to expand it," said Mr Sowden, "but we need to complete the evaluation process."

He said that 19 ft scissors and the A38 electric articulating boom would be next on the agenda.

Snorkel's approach to developing the Chinese market is to establish regional and sector dealers, of which five are already in place in markets including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Xian and Dalian. "We want to add to the network," said Mr Sowden.

In the Asia Pacific region Snorkel is benefiting from a close relationship with Singapore based rental company Goldbell Barnsburry, which is expanding throughout the region and buying used machines.

Barnsburry has acquired forty Snorkel 120 ft booms and the rental company is now operating in Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Thailand and China. Mr Sowden said Barnsburry's depot network would help the manufacturer provide service in the region; "It is going to be a cornerstone for our operation".