In one of Europe’s largest single deals for intermodal crane supply, Kuenz has signed a contract with Terminal AlpTransit (TerAlp) for six electric gantry cranes.
TerAlp, established by Hupac and Mercitalia in 2012, is dedicated to developing and operating intermodal terminals in Milan and Brescia to facilitate the modal shift of goods travelling between northern Italy and transalpine destinations.
The cranes will be installed at the new Intermodal Terminal Milano Smistamento, under construction in Segrate. The terminal, which spans around 240,000 square metres, will support sustainable freight transport between Italy and Europe, particularly with Switzerland. The deal is valued at approximately €31 million.
Günter Bischof, CEO, Kuenz, said the project was a significant milestone for the company and a key development for European and transalpine transport.
The terminal, a key part of TerAlp’s €115 million investment—partially funded by the Swiss government—is expected to be operational in phases starting in 2026. At full capacity, it will handle up to 22 pairs of trains per day and manage about 395,000 loading units annually.
Sabrina De Filippis, CEO, Mercitalia Logistics, said the terminal is one of the most important strategic projects for advancing logistics in Italy and Europe. She noted that the Milan terminal will enhance connections with the European TEN-T network and support regional economies.
In other port news, Stafford Crane Group has unveiled plans to build Ship to Shore (STS) container cranes in the USA, designing them at SCG’s engineering studio in Milan, Italy.
“After much careful research into this very specific port industry sector, SCG president Patrick Stafford and Derek Stafford (co-owner) gave the green light to this new project’s development,” the company said.
A suitable location is being sought in the southwestern United States for the manufacturing venture and a new company will be formed.
The move comes on the back of the 2021 Build America Buy American (BABA) Act from the US Government. BABA aims to reduce imports of products deemed to threaten the US economy, including STS cranes from Asia.
As part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, BABA “established a domestic content procurement preference for all Federal financial assistance obligated for infrastructure projects after May 14, 2022,” according to the US Government Office of Acquisition Management.
In addition, mid-May 2024 saw US President Joe Biden announce a 25% tariff on imports of STS cranes and similar rates on other goods from China.
SCG will combine its crane manufacturing experience in heavy-duty gantry cranes and, in particular with a NASSCO (National Steel and Shipbuilding Company) project, to complete the designs.
In terms of technology, consideration will be given to incorporate the latest advances in manufacturing processes and, in the crane itself, to allow support of automated operations. Energy efficiency and sustainability will be a high priority both for manufacturing and crane operation.
The Stafford family said its wants to offer “a true American brand of STS/ Panamax cranes into the American market, 100% fabricated and manufactured in the southwest of the USA.”
Elsewhere, Donati Sollevamenti maintains a strong reputation at the heart of Lombardy’s industrial landscape. Its excellence in the industrial lifting sector is a benchmark in Italian technological and production history. Even today, as part of the international Konecranes group since 2017, Donati preserves its roots in the factory founded before the Second World War (the company was established in 1930), maintaining a quality and specialization that have never waned. Over nearly a century, the hoists (both chain and wire rope), jib cranes, and crane components produced by Donati have equipped thousands of factories, workshops, warehouses, and logistics centers in Italy, throughout Europe, and beyond.
“The company, with a nearly centennial history, has maintained a distinct industrial strategy even after joining the Konecranes group. This strategy is based on communication, design, and process organization, the result of the vast know-how developed by Donati. The year 2023 was a record year for the company, with revenues exceeding €30 million, marking a growth of nearly 10% compared to 2022, reaching numbers never before seen in Donati’s history,” said Valerio Del Curto, MD, Donati.
“Italy represents about a third of our market, while the remaining part is dedicated to exports. We have significantly strengthened our workforce, especially from a commercial perspective, also considering the goal of significantly increasing the female presence within the company. We are reorganizing our activities in England and France, which are key markets for us, while always strengthening resources dedicated to sales. At the same time, we are exploring regions such as the Middle East, North Africa, Australia, and the Far East.
“Donati Sollevamenti’s key clients include, on one hand, distributors who bring our products worldwide, and on the other hand, crane manufacturers who choose us not only for the high product standards but also for the technical support provided throughout the post-sales process.”
The concept of “Clever Convenience” represents Donati’s commitment to providing customers with a unique experience, constantly seeking innovative and practical solutions. This approach includes tools like the online configurator “Leonardo” and “Clever Customer Portal”, which simplify the purchasing process and enhance satisfaction. The philosophy encompasses the entire product lifecycle and aims to continuously improve every area of the company, from human resources management to post-sales services. Furthermore, Donati invests in environmentally friendly technologies, such as water-based painting with solarpowered drying and has decided to take direct control of logistics to further improve efficiency and sustainability.
Donati is heavily investing in e-commerce to allow customers to purchase products quickly and easily. The digitization process also includes the availability of online documentation and video tutorials, reducing paper usage and improving customer training. These initiatives underscore Donati’s commitment to innovation, quality, and sustainability.
KALMAR PARTNERS WITH CES
Kalmar Corporation and CES, an Italian manufacturer of super sized heavy-duty material handling equipment, has partnered to distribute and service CES reachstackers over 125 tons globally. As part of the agreement, Kalmar will also provide training and support to its customers on CES products.
Kalmar’s current offering of reachstackers has until now had 125 ton capacity as upper limit, but through this partnership Kalmar will be able to serve customers with demands for even larger sized equipment.
“We are excited to partner with CES to offer our customers a comprehensive range of heavy-duty material handling solutions. This partnership will enable us to better serve our customers especially in heavy logistics, such as wind energy, heavy bulk handling and heavy container handling industries.
“We’re excited to be entering this next phase to further support our customers,” said Peter Olsson, head, global sales, Counter Balanced equipment, Kalmar.
“We are confident that our partnership with Kalmar will provide our customers with the best possible solutions for their heavy-duty material handling needs,” said Giovanni Bolcato, CEO, CES, based in Domegliara, Italy. “Kalmar’s global reach and expertise will enable us to reach new customers and markets, and we are excited to work together to drive innovation in the heavy-duty material handling industry.”
