China’s contingent at CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2017: bottoms up to an improving global economy
Chinese construction manufacturers were out in full force at the recent 3485 CONEXPO/CON-AGG 2017 in Las Vegas.
Nearly 130 original equipment manufacturers and their supply Chinese supply chain component makers were represented – the most at any previous CONEXPO/CONAGG event. OEMs included2490 XCMG, 1170 Sany, 1175 Zoomlion, 1171 Shantui, 1173 Sunward, 269 LiuGong and 5316 SDLG.
Nick Yaksich, senior vice-president of AEM – the US’s1100 Association of Equipment Manufacturers and which organised the event - said the large Chinese contingent at CONEXPO-CONAGG “gives us a deeper understanding” of the dynamics, brands and technologies of Chinese Construction Machinery. “These products have gained a growing international acceptance on performance and quality. I hope this kind of communication can strengthen technological exchanges and cooperation and promote the further development of construction machinery industry,” he said.
Zhang Yujing, president of China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Machinery and Electronic Products – which organised a panel discussion of senior Chinese corporate executives - said China’s representation at the event was crucial at a time of global economic upturn.
“The world economy has emerged from a downward trend lasting several years and stabilised,” he said. “Conditions are right now for the world’s construction equipment sector to grow again. Drivers for this include US president Donald Trump’s policy of increasing investment in infrastructure. This is a good message for the entire construction machinery industry. Also, China’s Belt and Road initiative is requiring a large amount of construction equipment. China's rapid development has turned it into the world's largest construction machinery market,” said Zhang.
Qi Ju, president of2735 China Construction Machinery Association, noted that revenues from overseas business and exports make up more than 25% of the Chinese construction machinery industry’s total revenue. He said the Chinese construction machinery industry has gained competitive advantage thanks to “systemised specifications, diversified models, large-scale production and a high standard quality over the past 30 years” and in particular the past decade.
“The whole industry has profound R&D systems at work, complete supply chains and a multitude of testing platforms, all of which ensures that our construction machinery products meet the highest requirements of clients around the world,” said Qi.
“The planning of “one belt one road” has created the historical opportunity for the friendly cooperation and mutual benefit between Chinese construction machinery industry and international partners. I believe our cooperation will bring even greater success.”
Qi’s mention of “One Belt, One Road” is a reference to the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st-century ocean-going Maritime Silk Road. The so-called Belt and Road Initiative is a development strategy and framework proposed by Chinese paramount leader Xi Jinping in late 2013. It focuses on connectivity and cooperation among countries primarily between China and the rest of Eurasia.
During the panel discussion in front of international journalists, Wang Min, chairman of XCMG, said Chinese equipment have been learning lessons of how to improve the durability of their products.
The only way to ensure this durability and quality improvement is to maintain a high level of research and development, said Zeng Guang’ an, chairman of Liugong. A strong supply chain is also essential, such as Liugong’s joint venture partnership with engine maker196 Cummins.
A successful R&D programme will work only if it is focused on the customer’s needs, noted Yu Hongfu, chairman of Sany Heavy Industries. All customers in every corner of the globe must be listened to, he said.
Xiong Yanming, vice-president of Zoomlion, agreed, adding that a lack of investment in R&D will kill off a company’s innovation. It is important to ensure that in today’s age of mergers and acquisitions that R&D does not take a back seat to corporate integration.
Wu Peiguo, chairman of SinoMach Heavy Industry, said the company is aware of the importance of R&D, innovation and listening to the customer as SinoMach integrates its four major brands.
The chairman of Shantui, Zhang Xiuwen, paid respect to178 Caterpillar which, as a company, has taught Shantui the importance of value-added to its customers. Competing with Caterpillar in the US market has been difficult but progress is being made.
The performance of Chinese construction equipment is now essentially equal to, and even surpasses in some cases, what is normal for the US market, said He Qinghua, chairman of Sunward. However, there are still some gaps in performance so Chinese manufacturers must continue to strive for improvements and innovation.
Nearly 130 original equipment manufacturers and their supply Chinese supply chain component makers were represented – the most at any previous CONEXPO/CONAGG event. OEMs included
Nick Yaksich, senior vice-president of AEM – the US’s
Zhang Yujing, president of China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Machinery and Electronic Products – which organised a panel discussion of senior Chinese corporate executives - said China’s representation at the event was crucial at a time of global economic upturn.
“The world economy has emerged from a downward trend lasting several years and stabilised,” he said. “Conditions are right now for the world’s construction equipment sector to grow again. Drivers for this include US president Donald Trump’s policy of increasing investment in infrastructure. This is a good message for the entire construction machinery industry. Also, China’s Belt and Road initiative is requiring a large amount of construction equipment. China's rapid development has turned it into the world's largest construction machinery market,” said Zhang.
Qi Ju, president of
“The whole industry has profound R&D systems at work, complete supply chains and a multitude of testing platforms, all of which ensures that our construction machinery products meet the highest requirements of clients around the world,” said Qi.
“The planning of “one belt one road” has created the historical opportunity for the friendly cooperation and mutual benefit between Chinese construction machinery industry and international partners. I believe our cooperation will bring even greater success.”
Qi’s mention of “One Belt, One Road” is a reference to the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st-century ocean-going Maritime Silk Road. The so-called Belt and Road Initiative is a development strategy and framework proposed by Chinese paramount leader Xi Jinping in late 2013. It focuses on connectivity and cooperation among countries primarily between China and the rest of Eurasia.
During the panel discussion in front of international journalists, Wang Min, chairman of XCMG, said Chinese equipment have been learning lessons of how to improve the durability of their products.
The only way to ensure this durability and quality improvement is to maintain a high level of research and development, said Zeng Guang’ an, chairman of Liugong. A strong supply chain is also essential, such as Liugong’s joint venture partnership with engine maker
A successful R&D programme will work only if it is focused on the customer’s needs, noted Yu Hongfu, chairman of Sany Heavy Industries. All customers in every corner of the globe must be listened to, he said.
Xiong Yanming, vice-president of Zoomlion, agreed, adding that a lack of investment in R&D will kill off a company’s innovation. It is important to ensure that in today’s age of mergers and acquisitions that R&D does not take a back seat to corporate integration.
Wu Peiguo, chairman of SinoMach Heavy Industry, said the company is aware of the importance of R&D, innovation and listening to the customer as SinoMach integrates its four major brands.
The chairman of Shantui, Zhang Xiuwen, paid respect to
The performance of Chinese construction equipment is now essentially equal to, and even surpasses in some cases, what is normal for the US market, said He Qinghua, chairman of Sunward. However, there are still some gaps in performance so Chinese manufacturers must continue to strive for improvements and innovation.
