Kalmar provides comprehensive rental contract for Setra Group's dream machine

The Setra Group, Sweden's largest timber products company, is to standardise its handling activities through a multi-year rental contract with Kalmar for 31 specially developed forklift trucks, each with a lifting capacity of 15 tonnes. The announcement is the culmination of an exhaustive search for the perfect forklift truck initiated by Setra almost two years ago.

The majority of the 31 trucks are scheduled to be in place by spring 2007. Kalmar will provide service, maintenance and financing of the vehicles, thus guaranteeing their performance at an agreed cost for the entire contractual period.

"Our rental concept represents a cost-effective total solution for customers, whereby we integrate development, maintenance and financing," says Jan Ohlsson, Kalmar Sweden's Managing Director.

In 2005 the Setra Group commenced its search for the perfect forklift for operation in all 12 of its sawmills located across Sweden, from Seskarö near Haparanda in the north to Vimmerby in the south. The company's site managers were joined by more than 90 truck drivers to look for a machine that combined efficient and accurate handling with good ergonomic and environmental credentials.

"We came up with very clear specifications for our new sawmill trucks," says Jerker Nyström, Production Manager with the Setra Group. "From an early stage, it was decided that Kalmar could adequately meet our requirements. This was the start of our joint development work which has now evolved into a multi-year rental contract."

Beyond the basics

In line with the Setra drivers' wishes, the Kalmar-developed forklifts feature a range of additional equipment compared to standard trucks. Piling holders, an anti-skid device on the wings, splash protection on the drive and steering wheels are all crucial to the design and positioning of the equipment.

Also of key importance is the driver environment, explains Kent Torwald, Managing Director and Group Manager of the Setra Group: "At Setra, the working environment is a priority. A good working environment contributes to our ability to attract good employees to the timber industry."

The driver cabin in the new Setra forklifts features adjustable arm-rests, mini-wheel steering and a hydraulic joystick - all of which reduce the strain on the driver. Sun-protection curtains and a raised roof reduce the risk of the driver being dazzled while steps have also been taken to reduce noise levels. All trucks are equipped with an automatic stop function and a short-term parking heater that starts automatically. Together with excellent visibility, these features also contribute to a high level of safety.

To reduce energy consumption and subsequently alleviate the burden on the environment, the contract between Setra and Kalmar includes training in 'eco driving' for all drivers. The aim is to encourage gentle driving, thus minimising energy use. The trucks display hourly fuel consumption rates.

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Notes to editor:

Press information can be found on Kalmar's website: www.kalmarind.com. Simply click on News Room to be taken to a list of recent press releases. A photograph to accompany this release is also available on the Kalmar website, by clicking on Press Pictures. The caption for the photograph reads:

Kalmar has built a forklift truck tailored specifically for operation in 12 Setra Group sawmills located across Sweden, from Seskarö in the north to Vimmerby in the south.

Kalmar is a global provider of container and heavy duty materials handling equipment, automation applications and related services. It is the world's 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's 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's net sales were EUR 1.2 billion in 2006.

Kalmar is part of Cargotec Corporation, the world's leading provider of cargo handling solutions, which are used in local transportation, terminals, ports, distribution centres, and ships. In 2006 Cargotec's net sales were EUR 2.6 billion. Cargotec's class B shares are listed on the Helsinki Stock Exchange.