MHE-DEMAG TO EXPAND EXPLOSION-PROOF EQUIPMENT BUSINESS

MHE-Demag, the market leader in ASEAN for the provision of material handling equipment, and a joint venture between Jebsen & Jessen (SEA) Pte Ltd and Demag Cranes & Components Gmbh, plans to double its explosion-proof lifting equipment worldwide market share in the next few years. Apart from new products, new processes have also been implemented to further expand the business valued at EUR 100m globally, with Mr. Bill Chua nominated to lead the increased efforts in marketing and sales.

“MHE-Demag has been manufacturing ATEX-certified explosion proof equipment in our Singapore facility since October 2007,” said Bill Chua. “Designed and developed by our group of researchers, our explosion proof equipment is highly sought after in Asia, Europe and the Middle-East, and we are one of few ATEX certified manufacturers in South East Asia.”

Explosion-proof equipment is essential in industries such as the chemical, oil & gas or petrochemical industries, where gases, fuels and vapours are emitted during the manufacturing, processing, transportation and storage stages. Such compounds form a potentially explosive mixture when in contact with oxygen, and can easily be ignited by an electric spark, potentially causing devastating equipment and human loss.

The European directive ATEX (Atmosphères Explosibles) governs the manufacture and use of equipment designed for explosion-prone environments, and all equipment used in the European Union must be ATEX certified. ATEX is also used as a global benchmark for such specialised equipment and MHE-Demag is one of few manufacturers in South East Asia who have managed to attain the highly specialised certification.

MHE-Demag’s explosion proof equipment is also IEC certified. IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) is the world’s leading organisation for the preparation and publication of International Standards for all electrical, electronic and related technologies.

Currently, MHE-Demag’s explosion-proof cranes and electric hoists are exported to all parts of the world. Joint venture partner Demag Crane & Component’s companies buy the explosion-proof equipment of MHE-Demag for their global projects. Apart from complete explosion-proof cranes, the supply includes slewing jibs, wire-rope hoists, electric chain hoists, spark-proof chain blocks and air hoists.