TOC LIVE: Hoist interviews Kalmar in a 77t electric Reachstacker
15 June 2022Electrification is a stepping stone to automation and ultimately autonomous operations, says Michel van Roozendaal, president, Kalmar Mobile Solutions, who recently announced he will be leading Kalmar Mobile Solutions and Kalmar Automation Solutions as they combine to become one strategic business.
Speaking exclusively to Hoist magazine, in the cab of a 77t electric Reachstacker at TOC Europe, Rotterdam, van Roozendaal talks about his new role, the cancellation of the Konecranes and Cargotec merger and how the company will expand its manufacturing plant in Ottawa, Kansas, home to the company’s terminal tractor manufacturing operations in North America.
The investment will eventually enable the plant’s annual production capacity to be doubled, making it the largest terminal tractor manufacturing facility in North America. The investment is driven by the growing demand from the logistics industry for eco-efficient equipment solutions that do not rely on fossil fuels to operate.
The existing line will be converted to a high-speed line for ‘rapid build’ distribution terminal tractors and a completely new ‘flex line’ with technology to enable high-volume production of Kalmar’s fully electric and high-end terminal tractor models.
Antti Kaunonen, president of Kalmar Automation Solutions, has decided to retire on July 1, 2022. Following Kaunonen’s retirement, van Roozendaal will assume his responsibilities. Van Roozendaal will also continue in his current role and report to the president and CEO Mika Vehviläinen.
“I’m confident that Michel with his broad industry and leadership knowledge is the right person to lead Kalmar to its next development phase. He joined Cargotec in 2015 and has been heading first MacGregor and more recently Kalmar Mobile Solutions while delivering continuous business results. I also want to thank Antti for his contribution for Kalmar over the past seven years. Under his leadership, Kalmar has taken major steps in electrification, automation and digitalisation,” said Vehviläinen.
“It is a fabulous opportunity to lead Kalmar into the new era of sustainable material handling. We are committed to continuing serving our customers in five different continents across the various industries and providing them with industry shaping electric, robotic and digital solutions,” added van Roozendaal.
