Manitou used this week’s SIMA 2015 to outline its vision to be number one in all the markets it operates by 2018. Speaking at a press conference, president and CEO Michel Denis says the company has plenty of scope to increase its business. If last year’s results are anything to go by then the company certainly appears to be on path to grow its turnover to the target €1.5 billion by 2018. 2014 net sales of €1.246 billion were up 7% on 2013 levels, and the Manitou top man says 2018’s turnover will be reached through organic growth and not through acquisitions. The agricultural sector accounts for 36% of Manitou’s total net sales, and Mr Denis makes no secret of growing this business and not just with new skid steers and telehandlers, but also by taking them to new markets. “Globally we are already the number one with telehandlers, but we still see opportunities to grow our business in many areas of the world including North America, Africa and Asia.” Closer to home, Mr Denis says there is also scope for further growth in Europe. “There are still a few areas in Europe where we are weak and need to do more business.” Skid steers, telehandlers and forklifts account for around 70% of machine volumes, and Manitou brought a limited edition version of its MLT 735 telehandler to the French show. Commemorating the 500,000th (includes skid steers and forklifts) machine produced by the still 65% family-owned business, it is finished in metallic red and silver. A few models of the limited edition spec, which is only marginally more expensive than the standard livery, are heading to the UK.
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