Lars Fredin

Konecranes Lift Trucks anticipates hiring more staff next year as it works towards becoming one of the top two players in the global container handling business.

Lars Fredin, vice president and head of BU Lift Trucks, tells Forkliftaction.com News that while statistical data for the global container handling industry is "quite poor", Konecranes is already the world's number two for reach stackers.

"[We] will consolidate [our] position both for the reach stacker as well as the container lift trucks business by the acquisition of the Linde container handling business ... Konecranes expects to grow with the acquisition."

The Swedish-based manufacturer acquired the container handling equipment business of Linde Material Handling, owned by KION group, for an undisclosed sum early this year (Forkliftaction.com News #615).

The acquisition comprises the Linde brand's container handling business consisting of reach stackers and empty and laden container handlers, including spare parts and after-sales services.

"We are pleased to see that the investment meets [not only] our own, but also the market's expectations," says Fredin. "We can already see synergies and an increase of spare parts sales. Our ambition is to be one of (the) top two in (the) container handling business on the global market. By merging Linde's range of container handling business into Konecranes' existing range, we are closing the gap to our competitors."

From the start of 2014, Konecranes Lift Trucks says all organisational changes will be implemented, dealers will be trained and manufacturing and spare parts deliveries will be up to speed.

"This acquisition means that Konecranes has access to a worldwide dealership network alongside with modern production facilities in Sweden and China," Fredin says.

"We expect our spare parts business to grow significantly during 2014. We will continue promoting and selling Linde spare parts," he adds.

Due to the acquisition, Konecranes has hired new employees formerly employed by Linde Material Handling. "We have been lucky to attract some people so far. We expect to hire more people with knowledge and experience from the Linde container handling business in the future," Fredin explains.

Konecranes Lift Trucks has its headquarters and production facility in Markaryd, Sweden and another plant in Lingang, China. It expects production to grow "substantially" in both factories.