Merlo increases turnover and exports

Paolo Peretti marketing manager of Italian telehandler and access platform manufacturer Merlo told Access International that the company's turnover was up a further 30% in 2011 continuing the trend the company has maintained during the recession.

The company has, however, taken much of its growth from the agricultural markets with just 40% of the company's business now said to be coming from the construction sector. In addition the company is exporting 82% of its output with significant growth markets being reported in Brazil and Russia where Merlo has opened subsidiaries. Another important market is Australia where the company operates from two locations. Merlo is opening a new subsidiary in Poland soon.

Mr Peretti said that the company's success can be attributed to the determination of company's founder and owner, Amilcare Merlo to invest in innovation. Over 2011,2012 and 2013 Merlo will investing €45000 in research and development and production tools and methods to reduce manufacturing costs.

Mr Peretti was speaking at the Pre-Intermat event held in Paris where he also said that Merlo was hoping to show some new prototype machines at the exhibition, although he did not reveal what they might be. Also on show will be new load control systems that comply with EN15000 for telehandlers and automatically recognise the type of attachment being employed.