But what is really emphasized when buying a crane? Peter Andersen, Production Director from Grafisk Maskinfabrik, also known as GM, can comment on that. He has just bought no less than 10 crane solutions for a new factory in Birkerød.
See how the cranes cover each workstation in the new production area:
When Grafisk Maskinfabrik had to go out and buy new cranes, there were several parameters to take into account. The starting point was the factory in Birkerød; Grafisk Maskinfabrik has in more than 40 years produced solutions for digital label printing in the graphic industry, and it is particularly known for producing effective conversion solutions for pre- and post-processing of labels. The company employs a total of more than 100 employees and, in addition to the head office, also has subsidiaries in Chile, Italy and the USA. Although Grafisk Maskinfabrik has a global feel, the machines are designed, developed and produced in Birkerød, and it was a stone's throw from the original location that the 10 new crane solutions had to be installed.
Peter Andersen, from Grafisk Maskinfabrik, says: "We come from a company where production has taken place very traditionally at 3 different locations in Birkerød. But in order to optimize the production process, we had to think more efficiently and streamline production and think LEAN into the whole project. It was of course a challenge, as we are used to doing things one way, but now we have to do it completely differently."
When Grafisk Maskinfabrik had to choose a crane supplier, the starting point was Fyns Kran Udstyr, because they had previously bought solutions here. In addition, they got hold of some other suppliers, so there were more offers to compare with. In the selection of the supplier, great emphasis was placed on quality products, operational reliability of the crane systems as well as availability and response times from the supplier. Peter Andersen states; “It is so crucial that we can trust our suppliers; that an agreement is an agreement, that the quality is in order and that the cranes are of course safe to operate - and of course that everything looks nice".
Peter Andersen had several initial conversations with Fyns Kran Udstyr's consultant and he quickly got the hang of what Grafisk Maskinfabrik needed. After this, Peter Andersen received a tailor-made offer that met the requirements and needs that the 10 crane systems had to cover.
The choice of supplier fell on Fyns Kran Udstyr, and it was not long before the 10 crane systems were ordered, installed and in use. And Peter Andersen is very satisfied with the final solution; "The set-up we have ended up with in relation to the crane solutions has turned out super. And it's not just the price that we choose based on, although it is decisive - it's just as much everything else that adds value to the process and that is included in the overall package", he says.
And at Fyns Kran Udstyr there is a great focus on making it easy to buy a crane. The process from the receipt of an inquiry from a customer to the availability of an offer must be optimized as much as possible. CEO at Fyns Kran Udstyr, Carsten Møller Sørensen, says; "We have spent many resources on developing and optimizing the process from when the customer contacts us by phone, email or via our website. We have a tailored project management tool that manages the process, and to support it we have a whole team to make sure that the customer, in cooperation with the local consultant, gets the right offer in the shortest possible time. Our offers are often delivered within 1-2 working days, and we feel that this really makes a difference in the dialogue with customers. At the same time, the project management tool takes care of the order process and ensures that the assembly of the crane is started".
And when Peter Andersen is asked about both the offer and purchase process as well as assembly, he states: "The process has gone according to plan; everything has just been super good.” he concludes.
Specifications of the overhead cranes
The overhead cranes as pictured here on the page from Finnish manufacturer ERIKKILA, which are installed at Grafisk Maskinfabrik. The cranes are equipped with two girders per crane. All cranes are also equipped with a unique 'saddle' where the electric chain hoist is mounted and raised between the two girders.
The cranes are from the PROSYSTEM model range, covering solutions with a lifting capacity up to 2000 kg. Larger solutions are covered by other solutions.
Crane solutions - Part 1
5 x ERIKKILA PROSYSTEM Double Girder Raised Overhead Crane
WLL: 1000 kg
Crane runway length: 15 metres
Span: 7 meters
Strapping: 2 meters from rafters produced at our own factory in Aalborg.
Colour: Ral 7001 (Grey)
Hoists: Yale CPVF with 2 hoist speeds.
Crane solutions - Part 2
5 x ERIKKILA PROSYSTEM Double Girder Raised Traverse Crane
WLL: 1000 kg
Crane runway length: 19 metres
Span: 7 meters
Strapping: 2 meters from rafters produced at our own factory in Aalborg.
Colour: Ral 7001 (Grey)
Hoists: Yale CPVF with 2 hoist speeds.
Do you also need to work efficiently? Then we can deliver the right crane solution up to 120 Tons.
