The speech, entitled ‘Doosan, a global growth outlier’ gave a detailed explanation of why Doosan opted to adjust its business portfolio, and discussed the related process of change and the transformation of its corporate value and culture.

Park introduced Doosan as “the longest-standing, fastest-changing, fastest-growing company in South Korea,” adding, “Our portfolio adjustment was made in order to establish our position as a business that can continue growing in the global arena.” He told the audience that, as a result, Doosan changed the ratio of consumer goods revenue to ISB revenue from 67:33 in 1988 to 15:85 in 2011. He also added that as Doosan underwent globalization, its overseas revenue as a proportion of total revenue increased from 12% in 1998 to 58% in 2011, while the overseas workforce as a proportion of the company’s total personnel increased from 0.2% in 1998 to 49.5% in 2011.

Chairman Park attributed Doosan’s impressive change and excellent growth to the following factors: risk management and decision making based on coolheaded analysis of the risks (calculated risk-taking); positive use of not only internal but also of external resources to solve problems (leveraging resources); strategic decision making based on a long-term view (long-term view); and operation of the organization regardless of any considerations about East or West, as a global company rooted in South Korea (global company with Korean origin).

The Asia Business Conference, co-hosted by the Business School of Harvard University, Harvard Law School, and Harvard Kennedy School of Government, is an annual event in which students and professors from Harvard University and nearby universities in the eastern USA participate. The conference features lectures, a general meeting, and panel discussions of current issues concerning Asia. Each year the hosts invite successful Asian business leaders to speak at the event. They invited Chairman Park, saying, “Doosan is one of the most successful global corporations, and many Asian enterprises look to Doosan to learn about the secret of its success in overseas markets.”

The 57-year-old is the fourth son of first group chairman Park Too-pyung and will replace Park Yong-hyun, the current group chief and the founder’s third son.

“Chairman Park Yong-maan will preside over the overall group strategy as the new chief, taking over the responsibilities of Park Yong-hyun,” the group said in a statement.

The decision came as chairman Park Yong-hyun resigned from his post to be a board member of Yonkang Foundation, the group’s contribution arm that funds scholarships and academic and cultural events.

Park Yong-maan, also chairman of Doosan Infracore, the group’s construction equipment arm, has been known for his aggressive management style after acquiring Bobcat, the world’s largest maker of compact construction equipment from Ingersoll Rand for $4.9 billion.

Founded by Yong-maan’s grandfather in 1896, Doosan Group started as a single store in Seoul but moved rapidly into beer and later beverage industries.

Alex Beddow joins as dealer manager, as the company aims to build on its expanding product range and reputation for professional, high-level customer service excellence.

In joining Doosan, Alex will be working closely with their extensive network of UK dealers, helping them to clearly assess and meet customer requirements, whilst supporting them in achieving sales targets and major account prospecting.

Doosan’s UK director, Tim Waples, sees the appointment of top industry professional Alex as real coup for Doosan:

“With over 20 years in the materials handling industry in senior posts, Alex’s experience and credentials speak for themselves. His appointment as Dealer Manager is not only a reflection of Doosan’s determination to meet our customers and dealer’s needs; his arrival also demonstrates our commitment to the development of talented people within our business.”

Prior to joining Doosan, Alex spent the last 16 years working for Fantuzzi working his way up to the role of general manager, heading up its UK operations. During this time, Alex’s effective management skills and business acumen delivered a positive contribution to the growth and success of the brand in the UK.

Alex was keen to express his excitement upon joining the Doosan team and is looking forward to the challenges ahead.

Said Alex, “Doosan has an excellent reputation in the marketplace for quality, boldness and simplicity, so the opportunity to work with them was always very appealing to me. For me, Doosan has always been the one to watch. The opportunity to help grow their brand and reputation in the UK is very exciting. I’m looking forward to helping shape the company’s future.”

With a successful 2011 behind them, including the UK’s largest ever forklift deal to date, the future is bright for Doosan as they continue to expand their market presence.

General sales manager, Paul Watson explains, “It’s going to be a busy year for Doosan. As well as welcoming new dealers, we’re going to be launching some exciting new products and have some major deals on the horizon. With this in mind it’s more important now than ever that we continue to recruit the right people with the right range of skills if we are to continue to meet the expectations of our customers.”

“With his strong background in forklift trucks and excellent commercial skills – Alex is the right man for the job and we’re very excited to be welcoming him to the Doosan team.”

“Customers will always need to move things from A to B, so perhaps little changes. What matters is how efficiently they want to do it, and how important they believe it should be done with respect to the environment and their own operators. Elegant design solutions need not result in more expensive, complicated products or harm the environment. In fact, tackling such problems with flair and passion will become expected, not simply desired.”

Chinwon Park, CEO, DIV Korea

“Whatever the oil price, it’s likely the pressure on fleet managers to consider alternative fuel sources to diesel will continue to increase for the foreseeable future. We also see two different directions between the more established countries and emerging markets. In North America & Europe, for example, AGVs are becoming more popular. Comfort is also a big factor in the market, as are alternative fuel sources. Rental also gives many fleet buyers big purchasing power. In the emerging markets it is a little simpler and customers want a ‘no-frills’ value for money machine.”

Young Lee, Overseas Marketing Team Leader, DIV Korea

“Only the hungry, smart and innovative will survive. Forklifts do a very simple job, yet there is so much choice for buyers to consider and we must be able to differentiate our products and our services from the rest of our competition. We all know there is no magic formula, so we have to be creative and proactive in getting our message across to the buyers in the most effective way as possible. If predictions are correct it’s going to be another tough year for the economy, and manufacturers will have to follow the demand of their customers even more closely. With this in mind, customers will be expecting more “Down to earth” products that do the job efficiently, more economically and most importantly at great value for money. As this is the Doosan way of thinking, our success for the future will be tough but it is secured. For our part, we are focused on new cabin designs offering greater rigidity and stability; reducing emission levels on our core diesel range, as well as incorporating lessons learnt in our construction division for our newest 18 tonnes series.”

Paul Watson, General Sales Manager, DIV UK

“Developments like lithium-ion batteries and hybrid technologies, although existing for a number of years, are only now becoming a practical reality. The rocketing cost of fuel impacts on any business and the dramatic cost savings on offer can no longer be ignored. The reduced carbon footprint associated with lower fuel usage means customers are now seriously looking at this technology. We see improvements in the way fleets are run and managed as truly offering the best ways to save costs long term.”

Jason Reynolds, Rushlift, UK Sales Director

“In forklift business, the entry barrier is not high. Since brand power is one of the key buying factors, especially, in emerging markets, the competition among manufacturers to secure a share of the new market is intense. I expect that mergers and acquisitions will be more frequent in order to build up stronger dealer networks and product line-ups. So, it is necessary to make our aftermarket offering as strong as possible and develop the strongest dealer network.”

Sung-kyo Suh, Director, Business Management, DIV Korea

“In addition to cost/price involvements I believe that in order to compete, forklift sales organizations will have more and more to take the role of full “product + service + financial solution” suppliers.”

Rolando Del Miglio, DIVEU Italy

“Advancements in the performance and reliability of electric counterbalance forktrucks are making them a more viable alternative to IC engine trucks than ever before. Of course fuel costs are a big driving factor, however the responsiveness of the latest electric equipment gives the performance of an engine powered truck with fast acceleration, fast travel speeds and is also suitable for outdoor use. Elsewhere, we see the application of innovations such as the standard fitting of digital load checkers, improvements in battery charge technology and regenerative braking makes electric the growth market of the future.”

Stephen Burton, Managing Director, Windsor Materials Handling

“The future is getting back to functionality and usability – back to the basics! As this is the Doosan way of thinking, our success for the future will be tough but it is secured! Manufacturers will have to follow the demand of their customers even more closely – not a cheaper product in price but in ownership. They have to satisfy the market demands from A-Z. Customers expect products without sophisticated bells and whistles that do the job efficiently and more economically. Suppliers need to provide a perfect analysis of the application – “the right truck in the right place” – to maximize the operation and minimize downtime. In short, the future will bring better ergonomics, less noise and vibrations (so the driver can also be more efficient), lower emissions, better fuel/battery economy to lower costs and help the environment and easy servicing.”

Ton De Hollander, DIVEU France

Doosan’s effort to attract new talents resulted in welcoming 3,000 new employees – the largest number of new family members in Doosan’s history.

Mr Park was keen to express his gratitude for the hard work and commitment of staff in providing solid growth of the company in 2011, despite the difficult domestic and international market conditions.

“It has been a very challenging yet rewarding year,” said the Chairman. “We expanded our production bases to target new markets, and improved the competiveness of our products and technologies through continuous investment.”

The company’s major achievements included the establishment of a full line-up of production systems to engage the Chinese market, such as the completion of an excavator factory in Suzhou, China; the construction of an excavator plant in Brazil, bringing in new customers in the South American market, and a signed contract for the construction of Korea’s first coal-to-gas power plant, expanding Doosan’s influence in the renewable energy sector.

Mr Park is confident that such developments will lead to even more opportunities for Doosan in 2012: “Even though the current fiscal troubles in Europe could stretch out for some time, one could also regard it as a period to prepare for new growth. The US market has already begun to show signs of recovery, though slow, thanks to an increase of replacement demand. Emerging markets such as China will still be major factors and should create opportunities for the world economy.”

Despite global trading difficulties, Doosan managed to perform well, winning contracts worth over $13 billion, and sales of almost $24 billion.

Mr Park stressed the importance of organizational culture in enabling Doosan’s growth as one of the world’s top business enterprises in 2012. Doosan’s corporate culture should be one that “supports the creativity of individuals” and does not consume unnecessary time or energy, stated the Chairman, and that the company should move “quickly and boldly” to remove any unproductive elements in the organization.

“Our top priority should be the improvement of technology and product competiveness. Regardless of external conditions, continuing to achieve the world’s top level in technologies and products is a must.”

“We should be mindful that only the well-prepared can stay ahead of their competitors. Therefore, the more difficult the challenges, the more important are efforts to strengthen fundamental capabilities and to secure the requirements for sustainable future growth.”

Dealing with various changes in the business environment for over a century, Doosan has, he concluded, great experience enabling it to foresee future growth opportunities. “Over the past decade, Doosan successfully achieved big changes, I am confident that we will be able to overcome any challenges the future might hold.”

It’s the time of year again where we pay homage to the humble potato! Actually it’s two years since the last  Harrogate show and we’re glad to be back!

Our trucks are highly suited to the challenging conditions faced by the potato industry and we’re on hand with our friends from Broadwater to talk attachments and more. Stop by and say hello!

This year’s show is bigger than ever with more visitors expected and the exhibition halls totally sold out.

The British Potato Council does a great job in raising awareness of something we often take for granted. Here’s some of our favourite facts:

• A quarter of all the potatoes that are grown in Britain are made into chips – that’s around 1.5 million tonnes each year
• It would take an area the size of 45,000 Wembley Stadium football pitches to grow all the potatoes needed for the chips eaten in Great Britain each year
• Just over 10% of the British potato crop is needed to supply our 10,500 chip shops – that’s about 422,600 tonnes
• Laid end to end, all the British potatoes that are turned into chips every year would stretch around the world a staggering 76 times

• Full support from a leading manufacturer and excellent service support back-up.
• Full product & sales training given.
• Recruiting for the territories of: NR, CB, PE postcodes
• OTE £50K un-capped
• Company Car, Laptop, Mobile, Expenses etc

Please send CV’s to paul@genesisforklifts.com

Since 1953, iF has invited international manufacturers and designers to enter their products in the iF design awards. Design experts from all over the world come together in the iF juries to evaluate the entries: excellent design is recognized and rewarded.

Efficient, environmentally friendly and with the highest level of safety, the futuristic model of the Intelligent Concept Forklift impressed the judges with its ingenious approach to the challenges facing modern forklift manufacturing.

iF Industrie Forum Design e.V. has been located in the grounds of the Messe Hannover in Germany since its inception. The German institute’s iF design awards have long been a trademark feature and the “iF label” is recognized the world over as a seal of design excellence.

Doosan Industrial Vehicle (DIV) worked closely in the planning of the Doosan Concept Forklift Project with Doosan Institute of Technology Industrial Design Team, tasking them with creating a vision of the future that incorporates new materials and production techniques, whilst sticking to the Doosan belief of simple, powerful products with great performance.

Since its unveiling earlier this year, the innovative design has received worldwide press attention, as well as being awarded the Red Dot Design Concept Award in what is said to be the world’s largest design competition.

t all adds up to great recognition for Doosan, says Naree Kang of the DIV Overseas Marketing Team: “Doosan is the company with technological power as well as superb design. These awards recognise the hard work that goes into keeping our company at the forefront of design technology and innovation, as well as raising the profile of our excellent product ranges.”

With any design intended to push back the boundaries, says Doo-yearn Jo, CTO of the Doosan Institute of Technology, the intention is to imagine what may currently seem impossible. However with Doosan’s concepts grounded in practicalities, the immediate question is usually, ‘when can it be built?’ The award winning technologists believe they have designed a machine they say could be produced within the next decade.

“Various elements of the design could be seen on our forklifts within five to ten years,” says Doo-yearn Jo. “All our concept vehicles serve a number of purposes. There is the very practical purpose of allowing us to consider the future possibilities of our designs in a way that is not linked to current production methods or models.”

The same team were also responsible for the Eco Transformer Concept Excavator ‘CX’ which also scooped the Red Dot award and is targeted to finish development by 2018.

According to the design team, this time around the key themes for the Intelligent Forklift Concept were “Innovation that embodies efficiency & intelligence.”

The ICF features many innovations to enhance productivity and usability. To provide a better view of the work area, the cabin elevation and tilting function uses a hydraulic device in line with a high-torque linear motor system. The uncluttered cab interior sees all steering and handling operations carried out via a multifunctional control joystick, helping to provide an intuitive, simplified user environment. Using augmented reality technology, the intelligent work-guide system enables safer and more efficient operation.

Being electrically powered the ICF is able to reduce emissions, excess noise and fuel costs, meeting all future international environmental standards. The highly efficient rechargeable battery enables faster recharging, providing increased work time and productivity.

Based in West Sussex, Mexmast are one of the largest independent forklift companies in the South East supplying new and used forklifts to their growing customer base.

Tim Waples, UK director and general manager of Doosan Industrial Vehicle said, “We are delighted to have the opportunity to work with Mexmast and believe they will make a strong addition to our dealer portfolio. They have a wealth of experience dealing with large companies and a long established stability to the business. We are very happy to be welcoming them to the Doosan family.”

It’s been a strong year for Doosan. As well as the appointment of Mexmast, the company have made significant investments in their dealer network, parts centre, IT systems and dealer support facilities. These investments are all part of the company’s wider commitment to growing their operations throughout the UK.

Mexmast Operations Director, Darren Baldwin, believes that in Doosan they have found a partner which matches their own ambition.

Commented Darren: “We’ve been extremely impressed by Doosan’s growth and commitment to offering a high quality value for money, product range and service. The strength of Doosan and its success in the market has become increasingly difficult to ignore and being in a position of strength ourselves, we felt the time was right to make this exciting move.”

Doosan dealer manager, Jason Jordan, believes the extension of their dealer network will lead to further development of the Doosan brand.

Said Jason: “Mexmast has great experience in the forklift industry and will provide a unique platform for Doosan.  Darren and the team have a real commitment to being the best in the industry. Team this with a great understanding of client requirements and their ability to work with the latest product innovations, and you have the qualities that are essential for us in continuing to grow our business – we are delighted to be working with them.”

A family owned company, Mexmast was established over 20 years ago, and throughout that time has grown from strength to strength, continuously providing their customers with quality products and tailor made solutions. Based in Burgess Hill, West Sussex, the company offers a full range of materials handling equipment for sale, hire, service, repairs, spare parts sales, driver training and transport.

Over 100 Doosan models are available in the UK from 1.5 to 16.0 tonnes (IC models) and 1.3 to 5.0 tonnes for electric models plus the latest warehouse range of pallet trucks, stackers, order pickers and reach trucks.
The company has acquired a strong reputation for delivering simple, powerful products designed for the UK and European markets. Earlier this year the group formed a new affiliate company, Doosan Industrial Vehicle co., to oversee all global forklift activities.

“We have come a long way in the past few years,” says Tim, also the current BITA President and IMHX committee member. “It wasn’t so long ago that no one had even heard of the name Doosan, let alone knew what we were capable of. Thankfully that’s changed considerably.”

The UK is a key territory for Doosan. Not only does it fulfil a strategically important role in relation to the rest of Europe, it also provides valuable information and feedback in one of the world’s most sophisticated materials handling markets.

Traditionally the role of managing the business fell to a senior Korean executive, but that changed in 2007 when, having just turned 50, Tim took over the reins. Already the longest-serving member of the UK business, Tim brought an air of calm, assuredness stemming from his in-depth knowledge of the organisation. His practical, problem-solving approach combined with Doosan’s renowned can-do spirit and flexibility to create a powerful proposition. Two years of record sales followed, in turn followed by the difficult trading conditions which, despite the general industry gloom, Doosan has navigated with relative calm.

“We have been able to focus on our strengths. Our equipment is aimed at those looking for great value and productivity, as well as reliability and simplicity. It’s this mass market appeal that has helped us through the recession without too much pain.”

This summer, Doosan announced the formation of a new affiliate company, Doosan Industrial Vehicle Co., Ltd. The new business oversees all Doosan’s global forklift activities and focuses on pushing Doosan onto the next level, as it continues to make great strides in the materials handling market.

“Some of our dealers were a little anxious about the changes, but they needn’t have worried. The new business is more focused and allows us greater freedom to pursue our objectives, whilst retaining all the positive links with the wider Doosan Group.”

During the implementation of the new group changes, Tim was also busy negotiating two more important investments within the dealer group.

“We wanted to consolidate our position with two of our leading distributors by taking a direct stake in their businesses. It’s still early days, and I believe the case for direct involvement in sales by manufacturers is not yet entirely proven, but our partnership approach with Genesis and Fork Truck Direct has given these leading dealers a new burst of energy and will pay us dividends in the long run.”

As if all this investment activity wasn’t enough, the UK’s biggest materials handling equipment deal was also in negotiation, involving Doosan and their national partner Rushlift.

“When we began talking to Saint-Gobain it was clear that this deal was on a completely different level. We wanted to ensure we could provide them everything they needed and it’s been challenging, hard work at times, involving direct involvement with the factory and our Seoul head office.”

The result was the much publicised largest ever deal in the UK, an achievement that all participants can be rightly proud, says Tim: “Whilst Rushlift developed a superb service offering, we concentrated on proving our own credentials and product capabilities. In the end, I felt that given the criteria set by them, there was not another manufacturer capable of providing such a comprehensive offering to Saint-Gobain. We have the products, the support, the track-record and the willingness to go that extra mile to add real value to the business.”

“It’s obviously the largest deal of its kind, but this sort of opportunity comes around very rarely and we can already see this helping us to build up our profile even further as other fleet deals have done previously.”

There’s no time to rest on current or past achievements however, as ‘pushing on to the next level ‘ means there’s always more to do.

Concludes Tim: “We are pretty sanguine about the future, but there’s no limit to our ambition. We have new products on the horizon, new distributors and customers to welcome and no doubt new challenges ahead. The more people get to know us, the more they see we are serious about offering a credible alternative to many of the premium brands, to the point where we too are now becoming recognised for the quality of our products and for our achievements.”

Over 100 Doosan models are available from 1.5 to 16.0 tonnes for IC models and 1.3 to 5.0 tonnes electric models.