 Operations at Stargard will be expanded |
Kalmar has announced plans to consolidate its assembly operations in Europe. In order to improve operational efficiency and ensure long-term competitiveness in the global market, Kalmar will transfer the production of forklifts from Sweden to Poland.
Forklift production that is currently located in Lidhult, Sweden would be transferred to Kalmar's assembly operations in Stargard, Poland. The transfer would take approximately two years and lead to the gradual closing of the operations in Lidhult.
To implement the plans, Kalmar will begin negotiations with the labour unions. Approximately 190 employees in Sweden would be affected by the change, and Kalmar will provide them with support in competence development and assistance in finding new job opportunities.
"We recognise that this is a difficult time for people in Lidhult. However, we must make sure that we continue to sustain our global leadership position also in the future," says Dan Pettersson, senior vice president, mobile equipment, Kalmar.
"We are expecting to gain synergies and strengthen Kalmar's competitiveness in the global markets with a more cost competitive production setup. At the same time, we will invest in the future by boosting our technological competences to speed up our digital journey."
The equipment maker will also invest in new, state-of-the-art premises in Sweden and transform the operations in southern Sweden into a business, innovation and technology centre.
The new centre in Ljungby will focus on strengthening Kalmar's expertise in digital business development, research and development, prototype production and testing of mobile equipment. Additionally, Kalmar is planning to launch a digital business development program in collaboration with Linneaus University in southern Sweden.
"We have a strong heritage in Småland, Sweden. The new business, innovation and technology centre would create new business and job opportunities, especially in the area of digitalisation," Pettersson explains.
"In Poland, our plan is to expand the operations at Stargard which would create 200 new jobs in the region," he continues.
Kalmar employs currently approximately 350 people in Lidhult and Ljungby, Sweden, and approximately 320 people in Poland.