Tomorrow's world?
October 1st 2009 Sir Neville Bowman-Shaw used Samuk's recent open day at Toddington Manor to unveil a collection of new Samuk counterbalance and warehouse trucks – and to deliver his personal opinion on the effect globalisation could have on the lift truck market. Brendan Coyne reports
Samuk's forklifts are not the most important aspect of its business, according to UK boss, Sir Neville Bowman-Shaw.
The man who started Lancer Boss after leaving the British Army in the 1950s reckons success is all about having the right people in place – and backing the right horse.
"We tend to underestimate young people," says Bowman-Shaw, speaking from a bunker-like outbuilding of Toddington Manor, Samuk's UK HQ. "I started Lancer Boss aged 27. That was a long time ago but the same rules apply: young ones can better understand new products, technologies and markets. And given that many of the big boys have been shedding staff – last in, first out – we have been lucky enough to pick up the next generation of talent."He says this is all the better for the aggressive increases in volume that Hangcha, Samuk's Chinese manufacturing partner, plans from next year onwards.
In a similar vein, Bowman-Shaw questions the future of established manufacturers in the face of younger, hungry competition. As someone who runs an import operation, shipping Chinese trucks into the UK, it might be argued that Bowman- Shaw has a vested interest in questioning the set up and business models of top tier manufacturers. Indeed, to publish his views on many competitors would invite multiple lawsuits, possibly resulting in debtors jail. However, one firm of whom Bowman-Shaw speaks glowingly is Toyota, and it seems Hangcha looks set to follow its business model.
"One big brand, structure and single set of costs is undoubtedly the recipe for success," says Bowman-Shaw. By way of example, he points to the difficulties of automotive manufacturers now suffering from taking the opposite approach. "Who would have thought GM could be [in so much trouble]? It was a collector of little car companies. If you were a Vauxhall dealer, what would you be thinking now?" asked Bowman-Shaw of the gathered Samuk dealers. "Well, the same traps are on the forklift horizon: Long term, who will survive?"
According to Jenny Zhang, Hangcha's export manager, there will be no let up in its march towards the top tier of lift truck manufacturers. The firm opened its new factory this summer. It's the size of 57 football pitches and has an 80,000 truck capacity over two shifts. Last year the firm sold 37,126 units in total, with around two thirds sold in its home market. However, 12,538 units exported is a significant figure.
More significant still is that it has increased exports by over 100 per cent in two years. Now Hangcha has the capacity to more than double last year's output. And the new range – from pallet and reach trucks, to heavy duty 12 tonne counterbalances promising 20 year working lives – could prove attractive to those firms still feeling the recession's pinch.
So while Hangcha (which only became a specialist forklift manufacturer in 1978) may be a relative 'young one', if Sir Neville's theories on the future of global manufacturing turn out to be correct, it may not be a young one very long.
We'll have to wait and see...
Factory fresh: Samuk's new models
Samuk's new B Series range of counterbalance fork trucks provides lifting capacities from 1.3 to 3.5 tonnes. Both the diesel and LPG options offer exceptionally quiet, smooth operation. Excellent operator visibility is assured by a clear view mast and a high driving position while a full suspension seat provides comfort and lumbar support for less physical stress. A full range of options is available from premium cabs to 4-cylinder clear view triplex masts.
The new P Series of pedestrian pallet transporters was another range to be showcased at the Open Day events. A purpose-designed pedestrian range, Samuk's P series has an unsprung drive unit with sprung castors to provide increasing traction with increasing load. Ideal for poor surfaces and gradients with acceptable lateral sway, the P series also has a long steering lever to make turning easier with heavy loads.
Another of Samuk's pedestrian-operated trucks is the new K Series of electric stackers. This range offers capacities from 1.0 to 1.6 tonnes and features 3000mm duplex up to 4500mm triplex masts. This 10-model range includes standard, double, full free lift, straddle and counterbalance options.
The increased cab size of Samuk's updated BR Reach series was another new feature to be unveiled: the driver zone is now bigger by 100mm, providing extra comfort and flexibility. The BR trucks incorporate the latest technology into a conventional design, minimising operator and service engineer training.
Samuk's heavy-duty, long-life BY Series has been extended to incorporate a 12-tonne model. The BY series has a long wheel-base for a smoother ride and a heavy, robust mast. Built for 15,000 operating hours or more between major overhauls, the BY trucks are strong workhorses, delivering a reliable working life of up to 20 years. More articles from Samuk Lift Trucks Limited: | 
