Cargotec has acquired the assets of Swedish installation and service company Hallberg-Ivarsson Hydraulik & Påbyggnad AB for an undisclosed sum.

Hallberg-Ivarsson in Gothenburg, Sweden is owned by managing director Jan Hallberg and specialises in installing and servicing on-road load-handling equipment and heavy vehicles. It has been a long-term installation and service provider for Cargotec's Hiab load-handling equipment in the region. It employs about six employees.

Taking effect on 1 January 2011, the transaction includes the takeover of the company's business assets, customer contacts and employees. The business will be integrated into Cargotec's operations in Sweden.

Cargotec says the acquisition is a part of its strategy to move closer to its customers and to invest in services.

Hallberg-Ivarsson will move to the same location as Cargotec's service centre for Kalmar and MacGregor products in Gothenburg. Hallberg will continue as head of the on-road load-handling service team.

Hallberg says joining forces with Cargotec offers better growth opportunities and improved resources in sales, installation and services. "This is something that our customers will clearly benefit from."

Cargotec area director Leif Wallin agrees: "Through this acquisition, we will move closer to customers and strengthen our position as a full-service provider. Our plan is to put even more resources into our service centre in Gothenburg, which will be the first one-stop service shop providing installations, repairs, maintenance and spare parts for cargo and load-handling solutions in Sweden."

Cargotec's Hiab product portfolio includes truck-mounted forklifts, demountables, tail lifts, loader cranes, and forestry and recycling cranes.