Konecranes has secured a contract to deliver 24 overhead cranes to Hitachi Energy’s expanded transformer manufacturing facility in Ludvika, Sweden.
The order, placed in September 2025, will see phased delivery and installation between March and September 2026. The equipment will be used for handling transformer components and materials across the production process.
Ludvika transformer expansion project manager Fredrik Vestbro said: “Konecranes’ expertise and innovative solutions make them an ideal partner for our Ludvika expansion. Their commitment to reliability and quality supports our focus on safe, efficient, and sustainable operations.
“We look forward to continued collaboration as we strengthen our production capabilities.”
The cranes set for installation include 12 Konecranes S-series cranes and 12 Konecranes CXT overhead cranes. These units will be located within Hitachi Energy’s new 20,000m2 production building and test hall.
To meet operational requirements in transformer manufacturing, Konecranes will equip the cranes with variable-frequency drives for controlled acceleration and deceleration, precision load-positioning systems for accurate component placement, and advanced control systems customised to the facility.
Konecranes industrial equipment sales engineer Joakim Dahlbacka said: “The synthetic rope in the Konecranes S-series crane is particularly suitable for transformer manufacturing, as it eliminates metal particles from the hoisting rope, rope sheaves and drum, it also eliminates oil drips.
“All cranes are equipped with other solutions, such as debris fall protection. This is crucial for maintaining the required clean environment – while providing the precise control needed to handle sensitive components.”
Konecranes describes its industrial overhead cranes as products built to consistent standards from individual parts to complete systems. The company highlights that its technology is designed to support operational safety and productivity for industrial clients globally, with Smart Features providing advanced functionality in crane operation.
The cranes incorporate software-based intelligence, known as Smart Features, which aim to improve control over material handling during the production process. These features are intended to support safer and more efficient daily operations for crane operators.
The TRUCONNECT Remote Monitoring system will also be included, enabling the collection of operational data to assist clients with decisions regarding maintenance, safety, productivity, and future investment in equipment or services.
Last month, Konecranes recently completed a retrofit upgrade on two overhead cranes for an unidentified client in the UK.
The project involved fitting MasterPro units with wireless remote monitoring capabilities and introducing brake monitoring units for the first time on existing Konecranes overhead cranes in the UK. This technology enables users to monitor crane and brake conditions remotely, supporting maintenance planning and aiming to minimise unplanned downtime.
