Konecranes celebrates the delivery of its 4000th forklift and an office expansion.

Konecranes last week celebrated two major milestones at its main premises in Sweden.

The first was the delivery of its 4,000th forklift, a reach stacker for laden container handling ordered by the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA). Top GPHA executives, Konecranes representatives and employees celebrated the delivery.

The second milestone was the inauguration of a major office extension.

"We are delighted to receive this reach stacker and to be part of a landmark moment for Konecranes," says GPHA director Richard Anamoo. "We will be able to meet the increasing demand from our customers using eco-efficient, high-performance Konecranes reach stackers and container cranes, ensuring that GPHA will be able to move forward through sustainable growth."

The landmark Konecranes reach stacker has a rated payload capacity of 45T, stacking five high. It has the Konecranes EcoDrive module, which can significantly reduce fuel consumption. It is also equipped with the TRUCONNECT remote monitoring and reporting service, which monitors the real-time usage of the truck through a remote connection and provides reports on how the truck is being driven.

"GPHA has become one of the leading port operators in West Africa thanks to its strong leadership, unrivaled customer service, and commitment to technology and innovation," says Lars Fredin, Konecranes vice president. "We are delighted to be a long-term partner to GPHA and a part of their past and future growth."

Fredin adds that 2009 was a tough year for the entire forklift industry and his company was not immune. "2012 has been better and our business continues to develop positively. With this office extension we are expanding and equipping ourselves for the future."

The Markaryd office was expanded by about 1,000 sqm (10,764 sqft).

In 2011, group sales totaled EUR1.896 billion (USD2.457 billion) and the company employed about 11,700 staff at 609 locations in 47 countries. Konecranes is listed on the NASDAQ OMX Helsinki.