Konecranes has finalised the installation of a 42-tonne coil handling crane at Welser Profile’s Gresten, Austria, effectively replacing an older 36-tonne model. This project, which involved dismantling the older model and updating a 175m crane runway and improving power supply systems.
A design life assessment revealed that the previous crane and its runway were at the end of their operational lifespan. In response, Konecranes collaborated with Welser Profile, a specialist in custom roll-formed metal profiles, to evaluate current and future production requirements for steel and aluminium coil handling.
The newly installed crane features several advanced components, such as an ergonomically designed operator cabin, a dual-frame trolley, and a redundant coil magnet control system. It also includes a DynaReg regenerative braking system, LED lighting, and emergency coil lowering capabilities. Integration with the existing warehouse management system and smart functionalities such as sway control and load floating further enhance operational efficiency and safety. Visual indicators for active lifting zones are also part of the setup.
These upgrades support Welser Profile’s objectives of enhancing safety and efficiency.
Welser Profile Plant Gresten asset management head Franz-Josef Loibl said: “Our main objective was to ensure the durability and long-term sustainability of the investment, achieved through the optimal classification and procurement of a process crane. At the same time, we focused on maximising operator safety by introducing several innovations, particularly in danger zone signalling, target positioning and emergency lowering.
“The complexity of the project required detailed coordination—especially for delivery and assembly—which was handled exceptionally well thanks to strong cooperation. Challenges on site were met with effective adjustments, and from joint system design to final implementation, all process requirements were fully met—often even exceeded. We’re very pleased with the result.”
Last month, Konecranes received an order from Combined Cargo Terminals (CCT) in the Netherlands for its Gottwald ESP.7 mobile harbour crane.
