Carl Gustaf Göransson

Hiab is moving to dealer-based distribution in Mexico after selling its Mexican sales company, Hiab SA de CV, to Consorcio Industrial Puebla SAPI de CV (CIPSA) for an undisclosed sum.

All of Hiab SA's 70 employees will keep their jobs as they will transfer over to CIPSA, says Hiab vice president of communications Lotta Clausen.

"The deal was made because Hiab wants a partner that has the power, knowledge, resources and commitment to reach and service customers in this important and growing market," Clausen explains.

Rafael Llamas will continue as the managing director of Hiab SA de CV in Mexico. The sale was finalised on 29 December 2014.

Carl Gustaf Göransson, senior vice president of sales and markets at Hiab, says Hiab's collaboration with CIPSA started in 1976. "By further developing our long-term relationship with CIPSA, which already owns 25% of Hiab's sales company, we are able to strengthen our leadership position and customer service in a key market.

"CIPSA is a respected partner, (which) has shown great commitment and high ambition to invest and take the company to the next level. We are very excited to take this step with CIPSA as our partner in Mexico. Hiab will continue to support the operations of Hiab SA de CV to enhance competitiveness and customer satisfaction."

Marcos Mastretta, managing director of CIPSA, is also enthusiastic about the transaction. He says the unified ownership structure will allow CIPSA to fully execute its vision of being the leader in the construction industry. "Now, we can focus on meeting the growing expectations of our customers in terms of providing innovative products and services to ensure their success."

Hiab, part of Cargotec, provides on-road load handling equipment through Hiab loader cranes, Jonsered recycling and forestry cranes, Loglift forestry cranes, Moffett truck-mounted forklifts and Multilift demountables, as well as Del, Waltco and Zepro tail lifts. It employs about 2,700 people.

Cargotec's sales totalled EUR3.2 billion (USD3.8 billion) in 2013 and it employs approximately 11,000 people.