Hiab selected by Finnish Defence Forces for extensive equipment renewal programme
Hiab, part of Cargotec, has gained a significant order from Scania Finland to supply 172 MULTILIFT XR21Z hooklifts, 13 HIAB X188 cranes and 16 MULTILIFT CHU units to the Finnish Defence Forces, the company said in its press release.
The order worth around EUR 6.4 million has been booked into Cargotec's 2014 second quarter order intake. Deliveries commence in 2014 with the contract scheduled for completion in 2017.
With the Finnish Defence Forces undertaking an extensive equipment renewal and development programme, increased emphasis is being placed on enhancing performance and safety, as well as on using more demountables and transporting ISO containers in deliveries. The MULTILIFT demountables, which feature innovative technology that improves handling efficiency and reduces lifetime costs, have the capacity to handle wide-ranging applications, thus maximising usage.
"We have a long history of working with Scania Finland and the Finnish Defence Forces and are delighted to have won such a prestigious order. As you would expect, our client's expectations for high performance, operational safety and cost efficiency continue to grow", says Tom Suomela, Head of Hiab Sales, Finland. "Once again, Hiab has delivered equipment that meets their expectations and as a result, our relationship continues to prosper. Naturally, we have worked closely with the team at Scania Finland to deliver a productive, reliable and multi-purpose solution."
The MULTILIFT XR21Z demountables have a 21 ton capacity and can handle a wide range of modules typically adapted to transport fuel, water, sand and gravel, and other supplies. The vehicles are also prepared for the retro fitting of container handling units (CHU's), providing further versatility and the capacity to lift 20-feet ISO containers. The new HIAB X188 loader cranes specified are custom built and combine industry-leading performance, supreme safety and easy operation. With their large lift capacity and outreach, they also provide faster cycle times to aid productivity and reduce operating costs.