Schwing America optimistic on 2014

Schwing America, the North and Latin American operation of Germany-based concrete equipment manufacturer Schwing, is considering increasing production this year in line with growing demand.

Speaking during the World of Concrete show in Las Vegas, US, Schwing America CEO Brian Hazelton said, "I think 2014 will be the first full year of a recovery, we are seeing customers really looking at fleet renewal and getting new equipment on the job. From an industry standpoint, I think we will see quantities doubling from last year."

Schwing America manufactures concrete pumps, truck mixers, batching plants and reclaimers.

"It is a competitive market place, but we are seeing customers look at more and more at the total lifecycle cost of a machine. It is important that machines retain their residual value as well," Mr Hazelton added.

He said the manufacturer was in discussions with its majority owner, XCMG, about increasing production for 2014. He said XCMG, a Chinese manufacturer which acquired control of Schwing in 2012, had been "very supportive".

"XCMG recognises the strength in our company, and has been very hands off on the concrete side. It is a good partnership, and we have purchasing strength together - there are lots of areas where we can get synergies, such as research and development, and they also have manufacturing strategies that would be good for us."