CARGOTEC CORPORATION, PRESS RELEASE, 22 OCTOBER 2009 AT 1 P.M. EEST
Cargotec's Tampere unit to become a competence and technology centre
Cargotec Corporation plans to develop its unit in Tampere, Finland, into a competence and technology centre to strengthen the competitiveness of the company's products globally. The focus in Tampere is planned to be on strengthening the expertise in product development, proto-type production and testing of yard cranes, straddle/shuttle carriers, heavy terminal tractors and automation solutions. In addition, the development of control systems and research of energy efficiency is planned to be centralised in the competence and technology centre in Tampere.
"Tampere is an excellent location for Cargotec's competence and technology centre, because a cluster of companies specialised in mobile equipment, a technical university and other educational institutes supporting competence development are also situated in the region. We want to lead the technical development in our industry for the benefit of our customers and improve the efficiency of cargo flows. Investing in our Tampere unit's expertise is essential for us in succeeding in this task", says Pekka Vauramo, Cargotec's Senior Executive Vice President.
The focus of the operation is planned to change from traditional manufacturing to developing new products and solutions and readiness for serial production. This would also lead to personnel implications.
"Today we can estimate that after a three-year change process approximately 250 persons would be working in our Tampere unit, of which 20% in production", Vauramo says.
The planned change in production operations is in line with Cargotec's global supply strategy to move production closer to customers, e.g. some Kalmar products are planned to be produced in Cargotec's multi assembly unit in Poland.
Cargotec is planning a suitable site for the competence and technology centre in Tampere, which would include modern premises for technological research, a combined testing track and demonstration environment, production, maintenance and service premises as well as office space.
In addition to product competences, other operations related to the Finnish market and Cargotec's support functions are planned to be located in Tampere in future. Cargotec employs today approximately 550 people in Tampere.
Further information for the press:
Pekka Vauramo, Senior Executive Vice President and Deputy to CEO
Tel. +358 (0)204 55 4873
Matti Sommarberg, Chief Technology Officer
Tel. +358 (0)204 55 4371
Minna Karhu, Vice President, Corporate Communications
Tel. +358 (0)204 55 4630
Further information for investors:
Eeva Sipilä, CFO
Tel. +358 (0)204 55 4281
Paula Liimatta, IR Manager
Tel. +358 (0)204 55 4634
Cargotec improves the efficiency of cargo flows by offering solutions for the loading and unloading of goods on land and at sea - wherever cargo is on the move. Cargotec's main daughter brands for cargo handling Hiab, Kalmar and MacGregor are global market leaders in their fields. Cargotec's global network offers extensive services that ensure the continuous, reliable and sustainable performance of equipment. Cargotec's sales totalled EUR 3.4 billion in 2008 and it employs approximately 10,500 people. Cargotec's class B shares are quoted on the NASDAQ OMX Helsinki. www.cargotec.com