SMV forklift assembly at the Markaryd plant.

'Get the job done' is SMV Konecranes's motto and the company has certainly adopted that ethos since the new management group was established in 1994.

SMV was founded in 1950s and is today based in Markaryd, southern Sweden. The company has concentrated on development, engineering and manufacturing of "high capacity" forklifts and reach stackers in the competitive premium market segment from 10 tonnes to 60 tonnes.

Mikael Andersson, SMV Sweden sales director, said although the company produced forklifts in the 10 tonne to 20 tonne range, SMV engineering was known for heavier machines.

"We were approached by a client who had very specific requirements," he said. "They knew our product was strong and reliable. However, they also needed a machine that was able to lift extremely heavy loads daily, running 24/7.

"The 52-tonne, 54-tonne and 60-tonne machines, the first machines ever built in this weight range, we built for Rautarukki steel mill in Finland. Since then we have supplied UK company Multiserve with machines for a very similar application, ie steel coils and steel slabs.

"SMV recognises that the big range forklift market has been growing steadily and we plan to grow to fill that demand," Anderson said.

With that in mind, SMV'S factory floor space has tripled over the past 10 years and there are plans to expand the factory further in 2006. "In 2004 we made 224 units, in 2005 we will deliver 292 units and the new factory extension will increase the output to 350 units for 2006. By 2010 we would like to triple that number equally divided in reach stackers, forklifts and container handlers," he said.

Andersson believes there is plenty of growth still happening, particularly in Africa, Middle East, Southeast Asia and Russia.

In September 2004, KCI Konecranes of Finland acquired SMV (Forkliftaction.com News #174) and that has had the fortunate repercussion of easing SMV's foray into the Chinese market. "Everyone is doing something in China," Andersson said. "The size of the Chinese market is enormous. However the cost of transport from Europe to China is very expensive."

However, that is not a problem for SMV because it now has access to Konecranes' factory in Shanghai. SMV's first Shanghai-built empty container forklift is due to roll off the factory floor this year.

SMV Fast Facts

Sales 2005: EUR55 million (USD68 million)
Deliveries 2005: 300 units
Export share: 90 %
Product range:

• Forklifts 10 tonnes to 60 tonnes
• Container handlers 4 to 8 high / 8 tonnes to 45 tonnes
• Reach Stackers 3 to 6 high / 10 to 45 tonnes