Following a construction phase of eight months, Demag Cranes has inaugurated its new production plant at Chakan in India. This marks an expansion of its production capacities on the sub continent of some 8,000 sq m to cover a total of more than 10,400 square meters with a possible extension of 6,000 square meters.

Besides Standard Cranes and crane components, the product range in future will also include the technically more complex Process Cranes which are specifically integrated into the production process to meet the customer’s individual needs.

The plant, which is located 30 km from Pune, is designed for a production capacity of up to 600 Standard Cranes and 100 Process Cranes per year. Parts for the KBK crane construction kit are also manufactured at the location - up to 24 kilometres of KBK rails can be produced per year.

The spare parts logistics operation has also already been running from Chakan since March; the production of components such as rope-hoist and open-winch crabs as well as KBK has commenced. For components which the company does not manufacture itself, Demag Cranes utilizes a network of local suppliers.

Mr Aloysius Rauen CEO of Demag Cranes AG said that "The expansion of our production with a clear concentration on the requirements of the Indian market reflects the core element of our strategy to make our customers’ wishes the focus of our activities. This investment of more than EUR eight million also underlines our strategic commitment in the BRIC countries."

Mr Thomas H Hagen board member of Demag Cranes AG & COO of the Group said that "The new crane is the result of extremely productive and innovative teamwork between Indian and German engineers who have worked to meet the particular requirements of the Indian market and its procurement opportunities. This success demonstrates again that we are on the right path with the integration of our Group."

(Sourced from www.constructionweekonline.in)