Sovex targets North American market with new US sales office
Wirral-based Sovex, which specialises in conveyor systems, is launching a new operation in the United States to target its multi-billion dollar e-commerce and parcel handling markets. The firm has appointed Lonnie Watkins to lead the new US operation, Sovex Incorporated, which will be based in Denver, Colorado.
Sovex founder and Chairman, David Lindfield, said the company, which manufactures more than 30 varieties of vehicle loaders and transport conveyor systems, has driven turnover to more than £24million since setting up in 2002.
However, he believes the US retail e-commerce market – estimated to be worth more than $340billion and rapidly expanding – holds the key to significant further growth.
“We are delighted to welcome Lonnie on board as the president of Sovex Incorporated,” said Lindfield. “Lonnie led the American operation of competitor Caljan for close to a decade. He brings first class product knowledge and unparalleled experience of the US and Canadian conveyor system markets.”
“Essentially, we are looking to replicate our existing business model in the United States. This involves the design, manufacture, supply, installation and maintenance of vehicle loaders and transport conveyor systems. The sheer land-mass in the US however means we will be taking on the market in different ways.
“We will initially ship-out products and partner with local manufacturers on the ground to deliver installation and maintenance services. Lonnie will also be building a team around him including technical support and operations managers, with a view of launching a manufacturing facility in the future.
“The US division will be largely targeting the post and parcel, just as we currently do across the UK, Europe and Asia Pacific Rim. The scale of this market in the US is colossal with big players such as FedEx to UPS right down to traditional independent retail businesses. The e-commerce sector is anticipated to be worth around £500billion by 2018.“
Watkins said he will be targeting parcel and distribution companies, e-commerce traders, and system integrators responsible for developing warehouse specifications.
“Sovex has a highly-interesting and unique product range due to its willingness to involve clients in the design process and develop solutions to meet individual customers’ needs,“ said Watkins. “The America market will be highly receptive to this concept. From a design perspective it offers something different to existing products on the market.”
Sovex has been steadily increasing its international presence. In addition to its UK base, Sovex has sales offices and distributors in Germany, France, Italy, Poland, Denmark, Portugal, India, Australia and New Zealand. The firm launched a manufacturing operation in Kluang, Malaysia, in 2013, which currently employs more than 70 people.
Contact Sovex Inc. on +1 (303) 683 9477 or email Lonnie.Watkins@sovexsystems.com
