Trailer axle maker seeks to double market share

Tony Partridge, sales manager of York for the Middle East-Africa region, said the appointment of Bin Huwaidi Vehicle Body Manufacturing Est (BHM) as its authorised distributor enables the Melbourne-based company to strengthen its presence in the regional market.

"We see a great potential in the region for trailer axles in the backdrop of all round developments taking place, particularly in the UAE which is undergoing a major construction boom," he said.

With a distributorship in place, we hope to double our market share from the current 15 per cent to 30 per cent by 2005," Partridge said at a Press conference to announce a product seminar to be held today at Ramada Continental Hotel.

Also present were Albert Van Der Poel, Technical Manager of York, Sabu Mathew, general manager, and Ramanathan Moorthy, sales manager, both of BHM.

Partridge estimated the current regional demand for axels at around 4,000 per year with the UAE accounting for the second biggest share at 1,500 axles per year.

He said the Middle East region is the second largest export destination after Thailand for York brand of axles, a market leader in the Pacific Rim.

Mathew said the UAE market for axles is growing at a fast rate. "Following the tie-up with York for the supply of axles in semi knocked down form, we will be able to serve the market more efficiently," he said.

Mathew said the seminar would highlight York products range with emphasis on its quality, reliability and durability.

"The York range of trailer axles, manufactured in Singapore, Sydney and Melbourne, is approved to various international standards," Van Der Poel added.