In a move aimed at enhancing efficiency and safety in steel and aluminum coil handling, Konecranes has completed the delivery and installation of a new 42-ton process crane at Welser Profile’s production site in Gresten, Austria. The handover was finalized in February 2025, marking a significant upgrade over the previous 36-ton crane and related infrastructure.
The installation included dismantling the old crane, replacing a 175-meter crane runway, and updating the crane power supply system—measures that significantly improve operational reliability and performance.
Designed for Durability and Safety
A thorough design life analysis conducted by Konecranes determined that the existing crane and runway had reached the end of their service lifespan. In close collaboration with Welser Profile—a global leader in custom roll-formed profiles—Konecranes designed a next-generation solution tailored to the facility’s future production demands.
Key features of the new crane include:
- Ergonomic operator cabin mounted on a double-frame trolley
- Redundant coil magnet control system for maximum load security
- DynaReg regenerative braking system to improve energy efficiency
- Emergency coil lowering capability from the cabin in case of power loss
- Smart technologies: sway control, slack rope prevention, shock load prevention, load floating, brake monitoring, target positioning
- Integration with Welser’s warehouse management system
- Crane safety lights to visually indicate active lifting zones
Precision Meets Innovation
“Our main goal was long-term sustainability, achieved through precise classification and thoughtful crane procurement,” said Franz-Josef Loibl, Head of Asset Management at Welser Profile. “The project’s complexity required detailed coordination—especially in delivery and assembly—and all process requirements were fully met, often exceeded.”
Konecranes’ approach didn’t stop at delivery. The company’s lifecycle services offering ensures that the crane will remain in top condition, supported by expert maintenance and ongoing system monitoring.
“We didn’t just deliver a crane—we delivered a tailored solution for a complex industrial process,” said Markus Scheibelberger, Director of Product Sales, ISE EMEA, Konecranes. “And we remain committed beyond handover, ensuring sustained performance and safety.”
Leading the Future of Material Handling
Konecranes continues to lead the way in digitally enabled, energy-efficient material handling solutions. Investments in automation, safety systems, and circular economy principles drive innovations that improve performance and reduce environmental impact across heavy industry sectors.
For more on Konecranes’ metals industry solutions, visit their official website.
