I recently saw a media release from a Chinese manufacturer outlining its ambitions to become a global player in the near future. Once, such aspirations would have been laughed off, but today, Chinese machines are evident in workplaces around the world. It's not unusual to see a lesser-known brand at work alongside some of the tried and tested names.
The market has clearly changed, just like the automotive sector a few decades back. First, there was the wave of Japanese brands, initially shunned but soon becoming mainstream. Then the Korean marques started making inroads and saturating showrooms. Now, we see cars on the road from manufacturers we hadn't heard of a decade ago.
While reputation remains important, in value-focused businesses, price is extremely important, and provided the new players can ensure their quality and reliability, it won't be too long until the Chinese forklift ambitions are realised.