palfinger at a glance

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Strategy and Value Management
palfinger at a Glance
Flexibility as part of the strategy
Flexibility has been gaining increasing importance in view of the rising volatility of the markets – regions
and industries alike – in the past few years. Hence, corporate structures have to be designed to
allow for a quick response to changed conditions at all value-creation levels. This is why PALFINGER
revised its organizational structure in 2010 and defined flexibility as the third pillar in its Group strategy
so as to ensure its focus on the continuous process of increasing its flexibility.
internationalization
Innovation
flexibility
Priorities in 2011
Innovation
In this field, PALFINGER’s top priority for 2011 was research and development. A central issue was
the development of a new crane series with new models that will be launched gradually over the
coming years. This series will contribute to making production even more flexible through continued
standardization and reduction of parts. In keeping with PALFINGER’s continued internationalization
efforts, specific product adjustments made in line with regional needs were another central issue.
In addition, special attention was paid to the further development of know-how in electronics,
mechatronics and surface technology – the basis for PALFINGER’s leading position in engineering.
Besides product innovation, PALFINGER has given great priority to process innovation. In the fields
of process and complexity management, key staff members were trained and process analyses
carried out. By merging all process-relevant activities into one single organizational unit, it will be
possible to better define optimization priorities in the future. Moreover, individual business models
were further developed for business units and initiatives were taken in the fields of lean administration
and production footprint evaluation.
Research, development
and innovation
Page 77
In 2011, PALFINGER launched 65 new product models as well as numerous features aimed at
enhancing ease of use and product safety.
Internationalization
In the individual areas, particularly in South America, CIS and India, the Group’s product portfolio
was expanded in line with specific regional needs. PALFINGER was thus able to gain additional
market shares in these regions.
Performance by Segment,
ventures
Page 97
Economies in transition have recorded steep market growth in recent years and have thus increasingly
drawn PALFINGER’s attention. The Group has plants in the young markets of China, Vietnam and,
since 2010, also in India. In 2011, the focus was on the further expansion of the markets in Russia
and China. After establishing a veritable dealer organization in Russia since 2009, PALFINGER
acquired the leading Russian crane producer INMAN and has managed to significantly improve its
global value creation footprint through its own production of a locally renowned product. PALFINGER
is preparing a positioning strategy in China so as to be able to participate in the market growth that
is taking shape there.
palfinger Annual Report 2011
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