WORLD NEWS
WORLD NEWS
Demag celebrates 200th anniversary
The Hartkort Factory on Burg Wetter, an oil painting on
canvas by artist Alfred Rethel (1816-1859), circa 1834,
Demag AG, Duisburg.
2019 marks a double century for Demag, which started from
humble beginnings in the town of Wetter in Germany in 1819
by Friedrich Harkort. He was an early prominent German
industrialist and pioneer of industrial development in the Ruhr
region. Under the name Mechanische Werkstatten Harkort &
Co he founded the first industrial workshop at Castle Wetter,
producing steam engines and gas light equipment.
The onset of the Industrial Revolution was crucial to
the success of the company and its production of steam
engines, steel works and rolling mills. The growing need
for mechanisation led Demag to become the first crane
manufacturing company in Germany.
The result of several companies merging was Deutsch
Maschinenfabrik AG Co. (to be known as Demag). The merging
of so many engineering and mechanical manufacturing
companies gave Demag a boost to thrive in the equipment
manufacturing industry – so much so that production
expanded to include crane hoists and electric motors.
Demag’s headquarters today are still situated in Wetter
in Germany’s main industrial Ruhr region. Globally, Demag
is implementing the ‘200 Good Deeds Around the World’
initiative and in southern Africa several events are planned to
mark the anniversary.
Demag today is part of the Konecranes group and
together they represent a formidable force in the lifting
industry worldwide. They are backed by centuries of
experience, knowledge and quality and are leaders in the
latest innovative crane technology.
Demag in South Africa provides cranes (process and
universal), hoists (rope, chain and compact) as well as the
range of KBK Light Crane Systems. Demag also provides
drives, cranes and a wide range of lifting accessories.
Demag’s focus is always on uncompromising quality as
well as maximum safety and reliability to help its customers
achieve the best possible performance.
www.plantonline.co.za
JULY 2019
9
JULY 2019
9