Bosses at global supplier of lifting equipment Verlinde France have announced a significant new contract in Pakistan, with a key customer placing a special order for two major new cranes. The order cements Verlinde's position as a principal supplier in the sub-continent and the firm's growing relationship with regular customers on the ground.
Since Verlinde announced the opening of a new Lahore office in Pakistan last year, business has been brisk and this latest order for two cranes with a combined tonnage of over 45 tonnes for People Steel Mills in Karachi represents a significant step forward for the company's increasing business on the one hand and further proof of its flourishing relationship with several customers in the region.
"The Liaison Office in Pakistan has been working with People Steel Mills for over 20 years and we are delighted to have been asked to supply this latest crane order for them," said Verlinde business development manager Simon Rothechild. "While a permanent base in Pakistan has been vital in securing new business it has also enhanced the service we can offer long standing customers like People Steel Mills, as we are 'on the ground' and ready to respond as and when they need us most."
This new order includes one 35 tonne crane and one 10 tonne crane. Both will have a 25 metre span and a 250 metre runway at People Steel Mill's facility in Karachi. Once complete and installed, both cranes will be employed on applications for the company's new pipe mill product.
This latest prestigious order comes in the wake of other massive crane orders with Indus Toyota and Pak Suzuki announced last year and coupled with the news that the global lifting giant has also commenced jib crane delivery, also direct from Pakistan.
"For successful business development, access to the right equipment for manufacturers in Pakistan is essential and this is where Verlinde comes in," said Shahid Akram, who as Verlinde's country representative has been working with his Lahore based team on the crane project for People Steel Mills. "Manufacture of these new cranes is already underway in the Verlinde plant and the first cranes and components will be coming off the production line later this year."
"Our colleagues in Pakistan are doing a fantastic job and this order is just the latest new business we are in a position to announce," added Simon. "Negotiations for other crane orders are ongoing and further announcements can be expected from Pakistan in the weeks and months ahead."
All Verlinde's renowned products and services remain available on the sub-continent, including Chain Hoist, a product in which Verlinde has direct expertise and it is available from stock immediately. Verlinde also continues to supply the ATEX explosion proof range that customers in Pakistan are familiar with.