Order for Overhead Range
Scania, renowned for its premium trucks, is enhancing its presence in Southern Africa with a new facility in Aeroton. To support their high production requirements, Scania SA has placed an order with RGM Cranes for a range of overhead cranes to be installed by mid-January 2025.
Christian Håkansson, head of production at Scania SA explains, “We are doing exceptionally well in South Africa. Our production volume has increased significantly over the past 7-8 years, and we have outgrown our current plant. This new facility is necessary to meet the increasing demand.”
Critical project
RGM Cranes was chosen for this critical project due to their proven track record and expertise in the motor industry. “We have an existing relationship with RGM Cranes in that they have consistently supported us with servicing our cranes, load testing and lifting tackle inspection. Their ability to deliver quality brands and meet tight deadlines made them the ideal choice for this project,” says Christian.
“Nevertheless, we did explore the market and received quotes from several companies. Ultimately, we believed that RGM Cranes could meet our tight timeline and deliver the quality we need.”
He elaborates, “During a site visit to RGM Cranes’ facility, we were highly impressed by their operational structure, extensive stockholding, and technical expertise. The RGM Cranes team have been involved from the planning stages, providing input and guidance. Their organised approach, availability of spare parts, and deep knowledge stood out compared with other suppliers.”
European quality standards
The new order includes a variety of cranes designed to handle heavy-duty lifting requirements essential for assembling bus and truck chassis. The order comprises eight 125kg jib cranes with Planeta Pitch hoist units, four 1.2-ton single girder cranes, one 1.6-ton single girder crane, two 3.2-ton single girder cranes, and four 5-ton single girder cranes.
The cranes will feature top-of-the-range equipment from Planeta and Güralp, ensuring they meet the high European quality standards that Scania demands.
Real-time feedback
One of the standout features of the new cranes is the Guralp hoist units, which come with a crane monitoring system. This advanced system offers real-time feedback on crane operations, enabling Scania to maintain optimal performance and safety standards. The monitoring unit tracks various parameters such as motion, load limits, and operational hours, allowing for precise maintenance scheduling and reducing the risk of downtime.
RGM Cranes will also install the necessary DSL system to power these advanced cranes, ensuring seamless integration into Scania’s production processes. “The cranes are a necessity for our operations. They facilitate the assembly of our trucks and buses, handling engines, axles, and even entire chassis.”
