Konecranes' equipment for ports

Konecranes' decision to purchase a port service company is a move designed to strengthen its position in the Danish market.

Konecranes bought Aarhus Maskinfabrik A/S in August from Hydraulico Holding A/S for an undisclosed sum.

The acquisition will allow Konecranes to expand the products it offers from industrial cranes to the service of port cranes.

Kari Åkman, Nordic area director for Konecranes, says the acquisition supports the company's strategy of expanding its network in important countries.

"In Denmark, ports and harbours are important for our operations. Service is always local business and we have strong operations in industrial crane service in Denmark, but in ports, we have not had a strong local presence."

Konecranes will incorporate Aarhus Maskinfabrik A/S's existing products as part of its Danish operations. Aarhus Maskinfabrik A/S specialises in modernisation of cranes, service, repair and maintenance of port cranes, spare parts, and special crane products such as grabs, lifting devices for special purposes and electronic overload equipment.

"They are experts in large cranes and port service," Åkman tells Forklift Action news. "They will continue providing the services they have been doing in the past, but now they have much stronger support and resources from Konecranes behind them."

Åkman says the acquisition will open further opportunities for expanding Konecranes' market share.

"The good reputation of Aarhus Maskinfabrik and their large customer base are important for us. Through this acquisition, we will be able to serve our customers in the area even better."