February 2008 International Cranes and Specialized Transport editor's comment

Thinking about following last month's Comment in January's International Cranes and Specialized Transport and expanding on the internationalisation theme raised many points, some of which appear below. A definition of internationalism is that it is cooperation and understanding between nations. Internationalisation is to make something international, also described as "a process of adapting to non-native environments."

Global markets and internationalisation are hot topics. Foremost of these among manufacturers is a drive to break into new export markets and increase product sales or build factories and distribution networks in non-native territories.

It is interesting to note the way that the process is happening both ways and both in sales and manufacturing. Not only are the established European, US and Japanese manufacturers increasing efforts to move into - what are from their point of view - emerging markets; manufacturers indigenous to those so-called emerging markets are setting their sights squarely on exporting to - and manufacturing in - the mature markets, especially Europe and the USA.

Prominent among these is Zoomlion, a Chinese manufacturer of construction equipment that includes wheeled mobile, crawler and tower cranes. Internationalisation is a clearly stated primary strategy of this manufacturer. The same is true of Sany which is building a factory in the US and has plans elsewhere, as does Zoomlion, among others.

Recent examples of western manufacturers expanding into emerging markets include Terex and Manitowoc manufacturing in China. Manitowoc recently made a pioneering move to manufacture in India. More recently, Steve Filipov has moved from his position as president of Terex Cranes to the new role of president, developing markets and strategic accounts, for the Terex Corporation, indicating the growing importance placed on this area.

As a meeting place to help develop this international business major exhibitions are invaluable. ConExpo is the highlight of the industry's 2008 exhibition calendar and will soon be upon us. ConExpo in Las Vegas, US, is the biggest show this year, running from 11 to 15 March. See the showguide in the February issue.

Finally, opinions from readers about the new design of IC have been positive. Thanks to those of you who have taken the time to comment.

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