Doosan’s ‘Big Bemowski’ at IMHX as order picker launches

The new diesel 4.0t to 9.0t capacity trucks have the new Stage3B engine, exceeding all requirements of the new European emissions directive for vehicles in the 37-56kW power range. The latest range of pedestrian and ride-on pallet trucks, the LEDH series, and the LEKF Low Level Order Picker, were also shown for the first time in the UK at IMHX.

IMHX 2013 was the most successful materials handling exhibition yet, says UK director, Tim Waples. Doosan hosted one of the largest stands and flew in visitors from around the world.

"We had fantastic feedback from our dealers, customers and special guests and it has showed how far we have come in a short space of time,” says Tim.

"I am certain we will build on our successful appearance and make even greater strides forward. We received several quality enquiries from potential customers, plus valuable enquiries for larger fleets, all of which makes the effort well worthwhile.”

A key visitor to the show was Doosan Corporation Business Operations CEO Jim Bemowski, who oversaw the restructure of the Doosan business.

He says: "This is a great show. I’m impressed with the dedication, work and commitment of our UK teams in delivering a great experience for our dealers and visitors. It illustrates how we are broadening people’s image of what we do. Our origins are in IC trucks but we have Bobcat and 16 tonners here also, and it subtly enhances our credibility.

"We are filling a gap with the reach truck, developed in just two years. We can go a lot further with reach trucks and man up machines – I can certainly foresee this in the future.”

Meeting with dealers and assessing market trends forms an important part of Doosan’s overall IMHX strategy, with Jim on hand to present awards to the best performers.

"Our brand isn’t small,” adds Jim. "We need to give dealers confidence in us. They need to know we will provide and develop the machines they need. We can see distribution is getting stronger and ready to make further strides in emerging markets.”

As for technological developments, Doosan remains pragmatic about the future application of new technologies.

"Certainly environmental measures, driven by new legislation are a key focus. The Doosan Group generally is more concerned with emissions and energy efficiency. In forklifts this translates as energy and fuel efficiency, plus innovation technology that promotes the lowest lifetime costs. But the key to our success is keeping things simple, low cost and durable. It’s important we do not lose sight of this winning approach.”

To meet tier IV stage requirements more complex and costly engines are required.

Keunbae Park, executive managing director strategy & sales, Doosan adds: "From a market standpoint, the key question is; will the customer accept this increased cost, or will they want an alternative solution such as LPG or electric? So we are providing alternative solutions to cope if the market changes.”

He adds: "In IC trucks we are continuing to increase our capacity. In our domestic market we have introduced 25 tonners, and the next step will be to extend this to the overseas market.

"So far, we are not ready to be a systems supplier for logistics applications but as our business grows to include more larger customers, we may need to partner with other suppliers to meet these needs.”

Jim Bemowski is the most prominent foreign CEO leading a Korean conglomerate. He has responsibility for nine business groups at Doosan Corporation and found IMHX thought provoking.

"The show allows us to step back for a moment and look at what is happening in industry, for example with something like eCommerce and how that is affecting materials handling, warehousing and logistics. We will think more about the implications of that.”