I would say the second issue depends on the quality of the business. But the first is probably inevitable in an internationalising market.
The lifting equipment industry seems to have separated out in portable goods and non-portable goods. The rigging equipment business continues to consolidate, (see feature, pp. tk) while many small crane builders continue to build bridge girders for local customers.
There was a time, not long ago, when both businesses sold only to local customers. But as the costs of transport and travel fall, portable equipment can be shipped farther and farther away. Now none of us are too far.
That does mean hard times for some manufacturers. But it also means a better choice for crane builders – or at least wider availability of low-price products.
When quality is important, crane builders have a duty to the smaller supplier brands that they trust and value. If we as an industry are not willing to pay a little more, then our small suppliers will be lost.
