Konecranes acquires Finnish container handling software specialist

Konecranes signed on 31 July 2007 an agreement to acquire Finnish-based container handling software specialist Savcor One Oy. The company, which is part of Savcor Group, is based in Vantaa and provides its products and services to more than 20 leading container ports all over the world.

Savcor One's software has been part of Konecranes' product offering in recent years and today Konecranes has over 100 Savcor One solutions installed in its fleet. Sales have increased and in order to further develop and integrate the automation technology into Konecranes equipment, it has now become essential to have the automation knowhow in-house. Major customers require integrated systems and turnkey delivery of equipment.

Savcor One container handling software improves the efficiency of terminal operators through maximizing equipment performance in harbours. The software ensures that the container yard inventory is 100 % accurate, by monitoring and measuring the productivity and efficiency of activities. It also tells where to locate or pick up a container, so it eliminates lost containers and the high related costs. In addition, the software offers a step-by-step concept for automating the yard, as it can auto-steer vehicles in the port.

"This technology is the link between the different port vehicles such as RTGs, straddle carriers and lift trucks," says Jarmo Juntunen, Director, Ports at Konecranes. "This acquisition enables Konecranes to offer complete solutions to its customers. It also gives access to the modernization market both on Konecranes' own equipment and for other makes in the yard. In addition, Konecranes will be able to offer DGPS-based automation systems for the existing equipment of customers and therefore generate new business."

"For the business of Savcor One, for our customers and our employees, the acquisition will offer enhanced opportunities as part of Konecranes' total service offering and global network," says Mikko Sampo, Managing Director at Savcor One.