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 .
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JANUARY 2018