Multi Mech targets 600 forklift order for aluminium smelters in 3yrs

Multi Mech is targeting three regional aluminium operations with its smelter-customised forklifts, which are manufactured by Doosan and distributed exclusively by Multi Mech in the region.

The company is hoping to replace much of the 200-machine fleets of a couple of existing smelter operations in the region, as well as playing a role in supplying a 200-machine bauxite-refining operation that is yet to come online.

“So we’re talking about 600 machines for three years down the line, and the market size for lift trucks is only 10,000 across segments,” states Gopinath. “If I take over three smelters, I'm taking a 30% share of the market [in aluminium].

“Two years down the line, our forklift business in the GCC will be worth $50m to $75m, and it’s not just the trucks: the aftersales and parts from work in aluminium smelters is huge – it uses a lot of consumables. I know this from Qatar.”

Multi Mech has been maintaining a fleet of 205 Doosan forklifts at the smelters of Qatar Aluminium for the past three years, clocking around 22,000 hours on most of the machines in preparation for their wider promotion and distribution in the market.

“We currently stock 100-150 machines in Jebel Ali – no one else in the Gulf stocks that many forklifts – and at any given time we have 40 in production and 40 in shipment, so it’s a big volume.”

Multi Mech diversified business group, which interests across aftersales, training, rental, leasing, and direct sales and distribution, with a turnover of roughly $300m turnover, and around 850 employees across the GCC.