The sixth Apex exhibition, held in Maastricht, Netherlands, September 17-19, attracted 5,300 industry professionals from 44 countries, a 25-percent increase from the previous show in 2005. Despite the economic uncertainty and slowdown in the aerial industry, rental companies at the aerial equipment convention, especially firms from Eastern Europe, the Middle East and Asia, were buying equipment, according to show organizers.
“This is the best APEX show we had,” said Jan van de Meeren, owner of Hinowa Nederland. “We introduced a new aerial platform, the LL 2312. During the show, we have sold two to Dutch rental companies. Besides that, we have sold three 1470 Gold Lifts to a new customer from Germany.”
“It has been a successful show for JLG,” said Robert Monteban, JLG’s director of marketing for Europe, Middle East and Africa. “Besides the introduction of the Toucan 10E at APEX, we have organized a tour to our new European parts distribution center and factory in Maasmechelen, Belgium. More than 150 persons visited this factory.”
A Chinese company, Beijong Jingcheng, exhibiting for the first time in Europe, created a lot of interest. “We have met a lot of potential customers from Russia, Poland, Middle East, Italy and Germany,” said Zhang Bennan, international sales director.
There were new equipment launches from Jingcheng, Skyjack, Genie, JLG, Nagano (Japan), UpRight, Palfinger, Bronto, Ruthmann, Oil and Steel, and others.
Dutch company Riwal celebrated its 40th anniversary at APEX with a party for its business contacts. “APEX is a good show to make our brand well-known in the construction market,” said Rik Maaskant, Riwal’s international marketing director.
The next APEX show will be held in 2011.
