Get set for a new wave of quality construction equipment in Australia as Chinese manufacturer Zoomlion extends its presence in the country.
Over the past 30 years and more, Zoomlion Heavy Industry Science & Technology has forged a name for itself in the machinery sector, becoming a global powerhouse in delivering cutting-edge, affordable equipment across multiple sectors.
Founded in 1992 and headquartered in Changsha, China, the company has grown into one of the world’s largest and most respected equipment manufacturers.
Renowned for its commitment to value, innovation and sustainability, Zoomlion offers an extensive portfolio that includes elevated work platforms (EWP), tower and mobile cranes, concrete pumps and mixers, earthmoving and mining equipment, piling rigs, agricultural machinery, and material handling solutions.
Operating in more than 100 countries, Zoomlion has become synonymous with reliability, combining advanced technology with competitive pricing to empower businesses worldwide.
The company’s solutions are tailored to transform construction sites, enhance mining operations, and revolutionise agricultural practices, among many other industry-shaping needs.
And now Australia is poised to see more of the company’s clean and green machines — in terms of both environmental consciousness and appearance — as the trailblazer company steps up efforts to increase its footprint across the country.
Zoomlion’s Earthmoving Sales Manager (Victoria/Tasmania/South Australia), Shane Hickson, said while the company has had a presence in Australia for more than a decade, it wasn’t until 2023 that it entered the direct, marking a pivotal step in its global expansion strategy.
“The first facility was established in Melbourne. This move aimed to deliver Zoomlion’s affordable and innovative construction and earthmoving equipment to one of the world’s most dynamic and competitive industries,” he said.
“By establishing direct operations, Zoomlion sought to enhance its market share in developed economies, diversify its customer base, and forge strong partnerships with Australian dealers for localised support and after-sales service.
“This strategic entry underscores the company’s ambition to position itself as a trusted, value-driven alternative to traditional industry leaders.”
The Australian workforce, headed by General Manager Stephen Li, exceeds 50 employees, with plans to double next year.
Zoomlion currently maintains offices in Melbourne (head office), Sydney, Perth, and Brisbane, and plans to expand into South Australia in 2025.
The head office was opened to the public recently, in a ceremony which showed off Zoomlion’s wide product portfolio, including a range of excavators, skid steer loaders, articulated boom lifts, mobile cranes and truck mixers.
Presentations were given on the different product categories and what the Australian market can expect from the company – including its technologies developed at the Zoomlion Smart City complex in China.
Zoomlion Smart City is the largest and most comprehensive construction machinery industrial base in the world for intelligent manufacturing.
The Smart City has its own earthmoving machinery factory, which Zoomlion said has the capabilities to build an excavator off the assembly line every six minutes.
Machinery demonstrations took place at the grand opening and attendees had the opportunity ask any questions to the sales team.
“Zoomlion offers a broad range of earthmoving equipment for the Australian market, including excavators (1.8 tonnes to 125t), wheel loaders, bulldozers, mining excavators, and dump trucks,” Shane said.
“While some local modifications are needed to meet Australian standards, Zoomlion works closely with its factories to optimise machines for local conditions, ensuring high performance while keeping costs down.
“In addition, the company is set to launch a 5.5t and 14.5t zero-swing excavator in 2025, demonstrating their market responsiveness and ongoing collaboration with factories.”
Shane said Zoomlion’s mini excavator range, already well-established in the Australian market, benefits from years of R&D, enabling it to be delivered with minimal changes.
“This makes it ideal for small to medium-scale projects. It offers efficient digging, lifting, and material handling, whilst remaining a robust, low-maintenance option within a fantastic price point,” he said.
“As well, Zoomlion’s concrete pumps are now ranked among the top three manufacturers in Australia, known for reliability and performance, widely used in construction.
“And our Aerial Work Platforms (EWPs) have gained significant traction, featured in major rental businesses across the country, showcasing their value in lifting and access solutions.”
Zoomlion will also make access to its equipment easier by expanding its dealer network.
“Our dealership network in Australia is vast and specialised across various product categories, including earthmoving equipment, concrete pumps, and cranes,” Shane said.
“The company’s primary focus for the earthmoving product line is to grow the number of dealers across all states over the next 12-24 months, aiming to enhance national coverage.
“Zoomlion is actively seeking new dealers to join up. Interested parties are invited to express their interest in becoming a dealer and contributing to Zoomlion’s growth in the Australian market.”
Shane said Zoomlion’s long-term aim in Australia was to build a sustainable
and influential presence in the market, positioning itself as a leading supplier of high-quality construction and earthmoving equipment.
“The company plans to expand its operations by optimising service and support infrastructure, and introducing innovative solutions tailored to local needs,” he said.
“Through strategic partnerships and a customer-first approach, Zoomlion aims to deliver consistent value, fostering long-term relationships with both clients and dealers while contributing to Australia’s evolving infrastructure and construction landscape.
“I’m truly excited to be part of Zoomlion’s journey in broadening its reach and enhancing its influence in Australia.
“Watching the company’s growth and seeing the impact we can make within the earthmoving industry is thrilling.
“The opportunities to shape the future of construction equipment in Australia, strengthen dealer partnerships, and deliver high-quality solutions to customers are what motivate me every day.
“I’m eager to contribute to Zoomlion’s success and to help push the boundaries of what we can achieve together in this dynamic market.”
Clean and green
Zoomlion embeds eco-friendly practices and innovative technologies into its operations and products, prioritising sustainable development to address environmental challenges and promote responsible growth.
It invests heavily in research and development to design machinery that reduces environmental impact. This includes:
- Electric and hybrid machinery: Developing energy-efficient construction equipment, such as electric cranes and hybrid concrete pumps, to lower carbon emissions.
- Smart equipment: Incorporating advanced automation and IoT technologies to optimise energy use and reduce waste during operations.
The company also emphasises sustainability across its production facilities by:
- Implementing green manufacturing processes to minimise energy consumption and waste.
- Using renewable energy sources and advanced recycling systems in its factories.
- Developing circular economy practices, including designing products that are easier to recycle at the end of their lifecycle. Zoomlion aligns its strategies with global sustainability benchmarks, such as the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Its long-term vision includes achieving carbon neutrality across its operations and leading the transition to sustainable construction and agriculture.
The Zoomlion team in Australia
The management team in Australia consists of Deputy General Manager Stephen Li, Sales Managers Jason Green (Brisbane), Gary Robertson (Perth), Roy Warwar (Sydney), Southern Regional Manager Dave Valquez (Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia), Head of Operations Service and Parts Rob Solomon, National Head of Marketing Viola Xiao, and Australia/NZ factory sales representative Chris Huang.
The factory team includes Zoomlion factory country manager Nicholas Li and representatives Alan Wang and Henry Tan.
What’s in a name?
The name “Zoomlion” reflects the company’s ambition and vision. It is a combination of two elements:
- Zoom: This suggests dynamism, speed, growth, and an ability to “zoom” into opportunities and challenges in the global market. It represents the company’s forward- thinking and innovative spirit.
- Lion: The lion symbolises strength, leadership, and dominance. It conveys the company’s aspiration to lead and succeed in the competitive machinery and equipment industry.
Together, “Zoomlion” embodies a brand identity focused on innovation, growth, and global leadership, which aligns with its reputation as a major player in manufacturing construction and agricultural machinery.