Built to take the knocks
August 1st 2009 With the launch of its warehouse equipment range, Doosan is now a full-line supplier.
The firm says the 26-strong product offering, including three reach trucks, retains its
ethos for simple, powerful machines
Doosan this launched its latest range
of equipment – a new series of
powered pallet trucks, stackers, low
level order pickers and other warehouse kit.
The equipment, all designed and built in
Germany, is the first to be manufactured by
Doosan's Logistics Equipment division,
formed after the acquisition of
Brandenburg-based ATL last year.
To coincide with the launch, the
company has also introduced its latest AC
powered reach truck, which unlike the
warehouse products, will continue to be
built in Korea.
Unveiled to the UK dealer group and on
general sale from July, the warehouse kit is
expected to open up new markets for
Doosan in mainland Europe and the UK,
where they have continued to grow market
share, despite a downturn in the overall
economy.
UK general sales manager, Paul Watson,
says Doosan's strategy is to grow steadily in
the warehouse market, complementing
their two existing counterbalance ranges.
"We recognise that we are a new name
for many warehouse equipment users," he
says. "We've been careful to acquire a
manufacturing business that not only has a
history of developing equipment for one of
the sector's already established players, but
also has a reputation for simple, solid,
durable equipment."
Founded in 1990, the ATL business
originally produced cargo handling
equipment, later going on to produce lowlevel
pallet trucks and stackers for the
German market. During a turbulent few
years, the firm's specialist approach, while
undoubtedly resulting in high quality
equipment, was denying them access to a
wider market.
The company has aggressive sales
growth targets for its new enterprise, but is
keen to learn the lesson of other
manufacturers, monitoring the reaction to
the new equipment and modifying it
accordingly. Aimed squarely at the European
market, the warehouse range will essentially
evolve as Doosan receives feedback from
its major customers and partners.
"We've seen other forklift businesses
struggle to integrate warehouse equipment
into their ranges," concludes Paul. "Our
strength has always been in reacting well
to customer requirements, and that's why
we've kept our ethos for simple, powerful
machines. Our aim is to offer good value
machines. In warehouse equipment terms
this translates as reliable kit that can take
the knocks and maintain a high level of
productivity."
Initially, 26 new models, including three
reach trucks, are being launched in the UK,
with a host of factory fitted options, such
as cold store and stainless steel options
also available. More articles from Doosan Infracore Co. Ltd: | 
