Cargotec this week started negotiating with staff who could potentially be impacted by its plan to centralise its reach stacker and empty container handler production in Poland.

Reach stackers and empty container handlers are currently assembled at the Lidhult plant in Sweden, which is slated to focus on forklift production in future.

The cargo-handling specialist wants to transfer production to the multi-assembly unit in Stargard Szczecinski, Poland, to boost operational efficiency and profitability, and ensure its long-term competitiveness globally.

Cargotec estimates the restructure will affect about 130 employees in Lidhult.
Cargotec's 'daughter' brands, Hiab, Kalmar and MacGregor, provide cargo and load handling solutions globally. Group sales totalled EUR3.1 billion (USD4 billion) in 2011 and the company employs about 10,500 people.