Interview with Gerhard Schaub, Manager of HKL Baumaschinen Spain
July 23, 2009
What kind of machine sold most at present?
Currently, most requested machines are mixed retro, Compact 3-14-ton excavators and dumpers of 3 and 6 tonnes.
What additional services does your company offer?
The review of the units prior to their sale is very important. Our technicians, equipped and skilled with the latest advances, are responsible for full reviews to provide the appropriate guarantee. Subsequently, within a maintenance program you can get recertificaciones of all the elements and ensure the optimal recovery of the machine, in a comprehensive technical service, and the provision of the necessary spare parts.
How has it affected the crisis in the sale of used equipment?
Machinery in Spain Park has risen in recent years. The drastic reduction of activities has generated a surplus of equipment. This sobresaldo will regularizing. In general, much of the equipment out of the country. The fact that there is more supply that demand logically affect the elasticity of the price.
What problem is the potential buyer of a currently used equipment?
Depending on the type and the value of each machine, the problem may be different. The management of funding in comparison to the of a year ago and half has changed enough. On the other hand, there are many differences in the quality and the condition of the machines. It should take into account that the cheapest machine is not always the most profitable.
What is the profile of your customers? Has it changed in the last few months?
The Spanish market is a clustering of enterprises and self-employed is regularizing. Due to the current uncertainties, many companies traditionally purchasing of new equipment are considering purchase of time machines.
What time means that remains in stock a machine in your company?
Time in stock is highly dependent on the type of machine and the type of client. As our company prefer to shorten this time to the extent that we can.
How much percent of sales corresponds to exports?
It is a growing trend. It coordinates from the Division of export of our headquarters in Germany. Currently, you can get up to 60%.
What is the biggest problem that face time import and export?
The current crisis is global, although in many countries not as deep as in Spain. Global prices are very reasonable. There is an added cost of transport and the low price of the dollar which hinder the competitiveness of machines in Europe.
Do you think that it has been benefited the sector of machinery used for the implementation of the Plan E?
In general, there has been an increase in demand, especially in the segment of small teams and media.
In his view, what is the future of the sector? What would do to enhance it if, for example, President of the Government?
For the moment, no action of any Government to prevent the current setting of the market. It is a painful but natural process. The sector still has not found its soil. Possibly something that will be achieved in the next 12 months. From then on, would be established new guidelines and opportunities... to levels lower but certainly interesting.
