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Research and Development

Our research and development is market driven.

 

Konecranes is constantly developing and improving its products in all its business areas, and in 2008 the company spent 19.0 million euros, 0.9 percent of its turnover, on research and development.

Safety and ease of maintenance are paramount

We employ technology in order to give our customers a genuine advantage and added value. Our research and development is designed not just to provide cutting-edge technology; it is essential for delivering the safety and environmental features that will last for the entire lifetime of the product. An important feature of our design work, which distinguishes us from our competitors, is our use of industrial design, which, among other things, enables us to make more effi cient products that are easier to use, are more cost-effective and which take advantage of new materials.

Our product development focuses heavily on the effective use of materials, their recyclability and their energy efficiency in use. More than 98 percent of the material in a typical Konecranes crane is recyclable, while our hoist and lifting trolley range are industry pioneers when it comes to effective use of space.

Material handling systems are integral to our clients’ processes, which is why automation and integration are key to improving productivity. This is an area in which we work hand in hand with our customers.

Energy saving frequency converter technology is standard on our equipment: modern frequency converters can transfer up to 70 percent of braking energy back to the grid. Modularity is another important goal which will enable us to manufacture essential components as close to our customers as possible.

World’s best techniques in materials handling for process industries

An example of our pioneering effort is our work on developing material handling systems for process industries, which in 2008 was one of the main priorities for Konecranes’ product development. The purpose was to achieve greater productivity and reliability, with a strong emphasis on environmental issues and energy consumption.

The work required numerous teams to work in parallel, with the best experts in servicing, manufacturing, installation and sales deliberating over the new product. Meanwhile, other teams were working on the steel structures, components and electronics. We also garnered opinions and operational experience from customers to support the development work.

The results of numerous testing at our new test laboratory yielded an enormous amount of life-span data. Among other benefi ts, these results enabled us to draw up a maintenance programme even before the equipment went on the market.

Cooperation breeds innovation

Alongside our own research and development, Konecranes works closely with customers, industry research establishments and universities. Indeed, exhaustive testing at our own and other research facilities is vital for our development work, providing a solid foundation and detailed data for designing industry-leading technology. Cooperation may take the form of partnership projects with leading research establishments and universities and we actively participate in the development of international industry standards. We also offer internships and final thesis. We are an attractive employer for skilled young people, too; in fact many of those completing academic courses with us have remained at work with Konecranes after graduation.