“We are delighted to move forward in our partnership with Lingong. Lingong’s management, brand, R&D center, manufacturing base, distribution and suppliers are important elements in Volvo CE's growth strategy”, said Tony Helsham, President and CEO of Volvo CE . “This cooperation secures Lingong’s future. Volvo’s advanced technology, management and global distribution will be key factors in the development of our company”, added Wang Zhizhong, Chairman of Lingong.
Volvo CE has invested RMB 327.5 million in exchange for 70% of the equity in Lingong. In 2005 Lingong’s operating income was RMB 10.2 million on revenue of RMB 2 billion. The deal has no material impact on Volvo’s financial position.
About Volvo CE
Headquartered in Brussels, Belgium and with around 10,000 employees, Volvo CE develops, produces and markets equipment for construction and related industries. Its products include a full range of wheel loaders, hydraulic crawler and wheeled excavators, articulated haulers, motor graders, backhoe loaders, compact wheel loaders, compact excavators and skid steer loaders. In 2005, Volvo CE’s total sales amounted to SEK 34.8 billion.
Volvo CE started its Chinese hydraulic excavator manufacturing facility in April 2003 and has so far invested US$ 24 million into this Shanghai located operation. The company employs around 250 people in China.
About Lingong
Founded in 1972, Shandong Lingong Construction Machinery Co, Ltd is a major Chinese construction machinery manufacturer with total around 1,800 employees. In 2005 its sales reached RMB 2 billion.
Lingong develops, manufactures and markets a broad range of products including wheel loaders, excavators, backhoe loaders and road rollers. The company has built a nationwide distribution and service network with approximately 170 dealers, a significant network of service agencies and 10 parts outlets in China. Products are distributed across China and exported to Australia, the Middle East, Malaysia and Mongolia.
January 19, 2007
For further information, please contact:
Klas Magnusson
Volvo Construction Equipment
Avenue du Hunderenveld 10
B-1082 Brussels, Belgium
Tel.: + 32 2482 5065
Fax: + 32 2675 1777
e.mail:
klas.magnusson@volvo.com
Lansi Jiang
Volvo Construction Equipment (China) Co, Ltd
2004/20F Bund Centre, 222 Yanan Road
(E) 200002 Shanghai, China
Tel.: +86 21 6335 2335
Fax: +86 21 6335 2003
e.mail: lansi.lj.jiang@volvo.com