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Patrick Corporation has shown its continued commitment to automated container handling with an order for a further five Kalmar EDRIVE straddle carriers for its pioneering Fisherman Islands terminal in Brisbane. This latest order, due for delivery in spring 2007, comes in response to the commissioning of two additional ship-to-shore cranes at the facility at the end of this year.

The ongoing expansion of the Brisbane automated straddle carrier (AutoStrad) facility also reflects the numerous advantages offered by the system. The AutoStrad operation allows for the real-time assignment of jobs across the straddle carrier fleet, resulting in high-level optimisation of both straddle carriers and quayside cranes. It increases efficiency by minimising unladen travelling distances, as well as ultimately reducing the number of machines required compared to that of a manual operation. The system also allows random stackingthanksto fully automated housekeeping that continually monitors and orders the yard based on best practise rules.

Fisherman Islands’, the world first AutoStrad terminal, was developed by Patrick in conjunction with Kalmar. In December last year, the terminal opened for full-scale commercial operations with 18 Kalmar EDRIVE straddle carriers and four ship-to-shore cranes along a 750m quay.

The latest five EDRIVE units are based on Kalmar advanced 7th generation hi-tech straddle carrier platform, which incorporates automation options such as motion control and navigation systems, allowing the machines to operate unmanned 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Kalmar will also provide maintenance, servicing and spare parts.

The AutoStrads are also fitted with Kalmar Remote Machine Interface (RMI) system, allowing them to be monitored remotely at all times. Ilkka Annala, Vice President, Kalmar Straddle Carriers, comments:

The AutoStrad RMI system collects and transfers data via a local area network not only to the Fisherman Islands terminal but also to Kalmar experts in Melbourne and Finland. This enables Kalmar R&D engineers to collect live data on the machines’ operation and performance, allowing for constant development and evolution of the AutoStrads.
Following the success of the Fisherman Islands’ AutoStrad terminal, Patrick has plans to introduce an AutoStrad system at its Port Botany site in Sydney. Mr Annala says:

Thanks to our close cooperation with Patrick, we’ve been able to enhance the productivity, reliability and safety of the AutoStrad system. The product refinements we have made will, of course, be available to any other port planning to automate its straddle carrier operations in the future.

Earlier this year, Toll Holdings acquired Australia Patrick Corp, making Toll one of Australia top 20 companies and a leading provider of integrated logistics services in Asia with a network of over 670 sites in 17 countries across the region.

We’re delighted that Toll Holdings has expressed its support of the automation programme that Kalmar and Patrick initiated, says Mr Annala. “Its endorsement of Patrick decision to expand the fleet of AutoStrads at Fisherman Islands and of its plan to switch to an automated straddle carrier system at Port Botany is very encouraging. We look forward to working together with Patrick and Toll in extending this advanced technology around the world.

Notes to editors:
Press information can be found on Kalmar website: www.kalmarind.com. Simply click on News Room to be taken to a list of recent press releases or on Press Pictures to be taken to the Kalmar photo gallery. The caption for the photograph reads:

The latest order for five Kalmar EDRIVE straddle carriers will bring the number of machines in operation at the world first AutoStrad terminal to 23.

Kalmar is a global provider of container and heavy duty materials handling equipment, automation applications and related services. It is the world leading supplier of cargo handling equipment to ports, terminals and intermodal facilities. Every fourth container or trailer transfer at terminals around the world is handled by a Kalmar machine.

The company also supplies a wide range of machines to demanding industrial customers for applications as diverse as handling steel and paper to shunting road trailers at distribution hubs.

Kalmar is also leading the way in port automation applications with its application of unmanned container handling technology, on-board smart features and remote maintenance products developed in co-operation with customers and partners.

Kalmar product range is complemented by a large range of value added services such as maintenance contracts and fleet management.

Production plants are situated in Sweden, Finland, the Netherlands, Malaysia, China and the USA. Kalmar net sales were EUR 1,147 million in 2005.

Kalmar is part of Cargotec Corporation, the world leading provider of cargo handling solutions, which are used in local transportation, terminals, ports, distribution centers, and ships. In 2005 Cargotec net sales exceeded EUR 2.3 billion. Cargotec class B shares are listed on the Helsinki Stock Exchange.
for more information:
aija.kalander@kalmarind.com
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