WORLD NEWS
A Linden Comansa 21LC550 tower crane is involved in the construction of the main pylon of the New Champlain Bridge in Montreal, Canada. The original Champlain Bridge, which opened in 1962, has an average of 136 000 crossings per day. The extreme climate conditions and use of road salt have led to progressive deterioration of the bridge, resulting in the Canadian Government’ s decision to build a replacement bridge. The Signature on the Saint Lawrence Group, formed by SNC-Lavalin, ACS, and HOCHTIEF, has been working on the construction of the New Champlain Bridge and is expected to finish by December 2018, having commenced in 2015. The new bridge will feature a spectacular 170-metre tall main pylon, which is being built with the support of the 21LC550. The crane, which has a maximum load capacity of 25 tonnes, was erected on the deck of the bridge with a height under hook of 67.8 metres. On completion of the project, the crane will be 180 metres tall from the base of the pylon and 123 metres from the deck of the bridge.
Volvo CE sales up 34 % in Q3
Market share gains in key segments, coupled with good cost control and growing demand in most markets, helped Volvo Construction Equipment( Volvo CE) post a strong third quarter for 2017 with sales up 34 %, order intake up 45 %, and deliveries up 48 % for the period.
Adjusted for currency movements, nett sales in the third quarter increased by 34 % to USD1.8-billion( 11 539). Operating income was also strongly up, jumping 237 % to USD240-million, up from USD71-million for the corresponding period in 2016. This represented a significant step up( 5.2 %) in operating margin, to 13.4 %. Profitability was positively impacted by higher sales, improved capacity utilisation in the industrial system, and again, from the sale of Volvo CE’ s dealership in Great Britain.
Nett order intake in the third quarter increased by 45 % compared with the same quarter in 2016. This increase was largely driven by higher intake from China, as well as growth in other Asian markets and Russia. Deliveries increased by 48 %, to 14 431 machines.
Up to the end of August, the European market was up 15 %, driven by the growth in the UK, France, and Italy. The German market was slightly above 2016, while the recovering Russian market is up 101 %. North America is 7 % above last year, due to growth in demand for excavators. South America is 6 % above last year but remains at very low levels. In Asia( excluding China) the total market is 12 % above last year, with continued growth in India and Indonesia, helped by a recovering mining sector. The Chinese market is 74 % above last year, with strong recoveries in both excavators and large wheel loaders.
“ This is an especially strong performance. Volvo CE has responded well to the growing demand, with volume increases up 48 %, while at the same time taking a significant step up in profitability,” commented Martin Weissburg, president of Volvo Construction Equipment.“ We also continue to gain market share within our product and market strongholds.”
During the quarter, Volvo CE produced its 75 000th articulated hauler. The company has produced more than half the articulated haulers ever made, and about 50 000 Volvo haulers are still in regular use around the world. ■
Southern African Metso distributor Pilot Crushtec International was recognised by its principal for delivering exceptional levels of customer service and support at the company’ s September global conference in Tampere, Finland. The Jet Park-based crushing and screening specialist received the accolade for‘ Best New Services Distributor’.“ Having gained this award after barely 16 months as a Metso distributor speaks volumes to Pilot Crushtec International’ s commitment to customer satisfaction,” said vice-president distribution AGG business line, Adrian Wood.“ Pilot placed immediate emphasis not only on the sale of new machines, but the stockholding and sale of spare parts and appropriate training needs. One of our mission statements is that we will provide‘ Legendary After Sales Support’, and it is very rewarding having our efforts to achieve this recognised as being world class and a leader in the Metso global distribution network in all aspects, but especially in after-sales support,” says Pilot Crushtec International CEO, Sandro Scherf.
Volvo CE
Volvo CE nett sales by market area in millions of Swedish kronor.
6
JANUARY 2018