Sinoboom has announced plans to assemble Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs) for the European market at its production facility in Poznan, Poland. This move comes in response to tariffs imposed on Chinese-produced equipment entering the EU.
'Europe for Europe' Strategy
Headquartered in Changsha, China, Sinoboom is adopting a 'Europe for Europe' approach, which involves the full assembly of its scissor and boom lifts destined for the EU market at the Poznan facility. The announcement was made during a recent dealer open day and press event, aimed at reassuring Sinoboom’s European distributors and customers that their businesses will not be adversely affected by the provisional tariffs introduced on July 13.
Sinoboom is currently appealing the 56.1% tariff ahead of the European Commission's final verdict in December.
Production and Compliance
Richard Butler, CEO of Sinoboom Europe, stated, "Our strategy is clear; we’re here today, we’re here tomorrow, and we’re here for the future. I cannot be any clearer than that."
Under the European Commission’s investigation, 60% of the total value of components for each MEWP must be produced outside China, with proven traceability. Sinoboom plans for 75% of the components assembled in Poland to be sourced from countries other than China. Currently, the plant produces scissor and boom lifts for the North American market, with a new factory in Mexico set to begin production this year.
The 19,000-square-meter facility, established in 2021, employs 120 people, with over 50% of the workforce coming from outside Poland, including China, Ukraine, Southeast Asia, and Colombia. The factory has received a €10 million investment and has an annual capacity of 5,000 scissor lifts and 3,750 boom lifts.
Expansion and Supply Chain Strategy
Sinoboom is phasing in European products and investing €60 million over three years in a supply chain outside China. A European research and development team will be established in Poznan to oversee localized products and finalize CE equipment certification.
Components for the European market are sourced globally, including drive motors and counterweights from India, batteries from Vietnam, basket assemblies and chassis from Poland, Deutz batteries from Germany, tyre assemblies from Belgium, and valves from Italy.
The Poznan plant complements Sinoboom BV’s 12,000-square-meter head office in Ridderkerk, Netherlands, the Changsha head office, and the company’s eight other global locations with a total workforce of 1,500.
UK Expansion Plans
Sinoboom plans to establish a UK base, likely in Derby, by the fourth quarter of this year. This facility will provide sales, service, and local stock and leverage the UK's status outside the EU, allowing direct imports from China without tariffs.
Speaking to Access Briefing, Butler added, “We aim to have a world-class manufacturing facility here in Poznan, with a full product portfolio. Our goal is to be a clear leader in the European access industry with strong product support and innovation.”
