17.11.2015

Manitou opens Middle East operation

Manitou has opened its new Manitou Middle East subsidiary in Dubai, the new entity has offices within the Jebel Ali Free Zone, allowing it to benefit from all the facilities of the free trade zone.

The team, which includes technical and commercial functions, including training, will be led by Jean-Marc Chartier, assisted by regional after-sales manager Romain Drouet. Chartier joined Manitou from automotive component supplier Valeo in 2006 as sales manager for part of Africa, the Middle and Near East.

The new entity will continue to report to Laurent Pons, Manitou sales director for Africa and the Middle East.

Manitou says that this new initiative is aimed at getting closer to its customers and dealerships in the region, while providing them with the best support possible. It also wants to expand into the agricultural, mining, oil and gas markets as well as construction, through its existing dealerships.
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The ribbon is cut on Manitou Middle East by (L-R) Laurent Pons, François Piffard and Jean-Marc Chartier

François Piffard, executive vice president sales & marketing addressing a regional dealers, customers and partners attending the official opening, said: "We know the Middle East very well, as we have been present here for many years. We now wish to strengthen our commercial presence in this booming region and we know that we can count on strong support from the network to achieve this."

“Manitou wishes to be a player in this market through the solutions it offers through its three brands, Manitou, Gehl and Mustang. The group's market share, and sales of telescopics, have already tripled in one year, rewarding the efforts already made. The relationships with our regional partners, end users and customers will be strengthened through this new establishment in the heart of the region. Because of it, we will be even more responsive in providing solutions to our customers' requirements. It is a region that is particularly attentive to local support."