18.07.2011

Useter to build cranes in India

Pune, India, based Universal Construction Machinery and Equipment has announced that it has signed a letter of intent with Chinese based tower crane manufacturer Useter Cranes to produce its cranes in India.

We understand that the tower cranes will be manufactured at Universal’s facility in Shindewadi, Satara, where the company is understood to be investing in new robotic welding and painting equipment for the product line.

The cranes will join Speedo Hoists, Xygo mast climbing platforms and SpideЯ suspended platform ranges within Universal's Vertical Transport department.
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The Useter tower crane plant in Shenyang, China

Universal will import most of the componentry for the cranes from Useter’s plant in Shenyang, China and expects to sell between 60 and 70 units in its first full year. It also claims that the cranes have been specially designed or modified for the Indian market and are built to European standards.

Universal’s Ranjit More was quoted in India’s Business Standard newspaper on Saturday as saying: "Useter will be setting up an exclusive plant near Beijing for its components. Universal will be selling these cranes throughout India through its extensive sales and service network. Spares and service will be locally provided through its regional offices."
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Useter flat top cranes working on the Beijing International Airport

Useter produces a range of regular saddle jib, flat top and luffing jib tower cranes which it sells throughout China and Korea and already exports to markets such as Pakistan, the UAE, Malaysia and Australia.

Vertikal Comment

Useter has a bit of a reputaiton in the industry for 'adopting' the designs of others. It claims to have German engineering and to have worked with a German OEM. We have not been able to confirm who this might be, but some of its designs look distinctly Jost like.

This move into India is an interesting one, however as of this point the two have signed just a memorandum of undertstanding on the 'partnership'. Whether it reaches fruition remains to be seen. If it does we might just see some reaction from those who feel that the copyright of their designs has been infringed, on the basis that a move into India is a step too far?