The PMV market in the Middle East did not suffer as marked a decline in other markets like Europe and North America, and has strong fundamentals in place for a good recovery, said the PMV panel at the Construction Week conference in Abu Dhabi.
Atlas Copco GM Michael Sagermann said his company had experienced a 30% to 35% drop in overall business, driven largely by North America and Europe. Saudi Arabia, on the other hand, only saw a 10% to 15% drop.
“The pace was maintained due to the government’s plan to open contracts and keep work going, which was a smart move,” said Sagermann. However, he added that the recession had resulted in a ‘seismic shift’ in the UAE, with Abu Dhabi and Al Ain now being the major focus of business.
Ascon plant manager P.B. Ahmed Mohideen said the slowdown in Dubai had forced his company to migrate to alternate markets like the Indian subcontinent, Qatar and Oman. He said about 30% to 35% of plant was unutilised, mainly tower cranes, hoists and utility equipment.
“Efficient utilisation of existing plant and machinery is critical. It requires good cost control and preventative maintenance,” said Mohideen.
Manitowic GM David Semple said there was “a six to 12 month lag between the earthmoving and cranes segment, with the latter still tough, and tower cranes the worst performing at the moment.” Recovery in the mobile and crawler crane segments was driven by growth in the oil and gas industry, he said.
