Earlier this month, Palfinger Marine signed a global sales and service co-operation agreement with Jiangyin Neptune Marine Appliance Co Ltd, based in Jiangyin.
One of the main aims of the agreement is the establishment of a 50:50 joint venture in China,to be named Palfinger Neptune Ltd with registered offices in Shanghai and Jiangyin.
Palfinger Neptune will become the exclusive dealer of Neptune and PALFINGER lifesaving appliances, spare parts and services in the joint venture sales area, which includes mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, South Korea and Japan.
Palfinger will also become the exclusive global dealer of Neptune products and the service partner outside of the joint venture area.
Felix Strohbichler, Palfinger board member, said: “Becoming a strong partner of the Asian-Pacific shipbuilding industry based on our comprehensive marine product portfolio and our global service setup is one of our chief goals.
“The co-operation with Neptune, one of the top players in the Asian lifesaving boats and davits market, will enable Palfinger to take a leading market position in Asia as well, especially in the fast-growing cruise market in China. The lifeboats and davits product portfolios of Neptune and Palfinger are a perfect fit for the Asian market as well as for the global market,” he said.
Hanshou Hua, Chairman of Neptune, added: “Palfinger’s product design for cruise lifeboats and tender boats combined with Neptune’s access to the nort-east Asian market are the main ingredients for a successful co-operation. Both parties show strength in differing market segments and geographical regions. Palfinger will be a strong global service partner to Neptune, and Neptune a strong partner within the JV area. Through the co-operation with Palfinger, Neptune will become the biggest Chinese lifeboat manufacturer.”
