As for the affects of the recession three years ago, Hongxing is now in a period of steady growth. "Since the crisis," says Mr Kulawik, "It's a different market with a different style. There was no real down turn in Germany but effects are spotty across Europe: Austria and Poland are coming up for example, but France, which was doing well is currently affected by the upcoming election."

The machine is mainly used in processing powder of mineral materials of metallurgy, building materials, chemical industry, mining, etc. It can grind non-flammable and non-explosive materials with moisture less than 6%. Outside Hongxing has growing sales in North America in the oil and gas industry, in Australia, China and South America and Russia is said to be growing substantially this year.

"We did 20% more business in 2011 than in 2010," said Mr Kulawik "and expect to do 20% more again in 2012. Sales are still improving even though traditional markets are not."

According to the company, the 409 has been developed to meet the needs of smaller customers who require versatility allied with ease of transport, while still providing high reliability. The 409 can be used in a variety of applications, including crushing circuits, demolition and construction waste processing, and aggregates, heavy rock and topsoil handling. Power comes from a Deutz 49 kW (66 hp) diesel, and the machine features a heavy duty two bearing screenbox measuring 2,75 x 1,24 m (9 x 4 ft), integrated hydraulically folding side conveyors and a heavy duty hopper.

Last year the Hongxing division generated €90 million in sales and the Palfinger Group said that, "improvements in the product division Access Platforms had a positive effect," and that "Access Platforms are expected to make even more substantial contributions to earnings."

Palfinger says that the strategic decision to grow towards the BRIC countries has already proven its worth: Some of the formerly large European markets still have not recovered from the global economic crisis of 2008/09. In contrast, markets that are still young for Palfinger are performing very well.

1) The main frame and the base of are completely soft-linked rather than rigid-contacted.

2) The base are made of anti-crack nodular cast iron which boasts the strength of cast steel, the anti-vibration of cast iron and good impact resistance.

3) It adopts the reducer that simulates German Flender.

Currently Palfinger is concentrating on Asia and Russia, "where, along with economic growth, the market potential of Palfinger is on the rise as well. ....In China, another important future market, Palfinger has been promoting target-oriented strategic development to increase local value creation."