CFAO Equipment SA helps APM Terminals reach new heights with Konecranes Reach Stackers

CFAO Equipment SA a leading supplier of warehousing and industrial equipment in southern Africa, has successfully delivered two Konecranes SMV 4632 TC5 reach stackers to APM Terminals facility at Ford Motor Company’s Silverton assembly plant in Pretoria.

A global operator of the world’s most comprehensive port networks, APM Terminals is committed to improving supply chain efficiency, flexibility and dependability in its fast-growing shipping line and landside customers’ businesses.

Lenny Naidoo, National Product Specialist at CFAO Equipment SA’s Heavy Lift division, says the implementation of the reach stackers will increase APM Terminals’ operational productivity at the plant thanks to Konecranes’ leading-edge and innovative technologies.

“APM Terminals’ Ford plant-based fleet required upgrading in a bid to reduce emissions and increase productivity through technological innovations,” explains Naidoo. “Konecranes reach stackers offer optimal versatility and are customisable to suit all customers’ specific business needs. The new generation of Konecranes reach stackers presents several features and enhancements to support and improve operators’ performance.”

All Konecranes reach stackers have been developed with safety in mind, and make use of several technologies for safer operations. These include Konecranes’ innovative TRUCONNECT Remote Monitoring service that detects hazardous overloads, among other features; and Work Zone, a suite of location-based services designed to improve operations, particularly in high-traffic environments.

With operators spending significant time behind the controls, ease of operation and comfort are paramount. This is evidenced in the reach stackers’ ergonomically advanced cabins that offer comfort and superior visibility. The seat features compression suspension, while cabin heating, ventilation and air conditioning ensure operator comfort. Furthermore, all controls are accessible to the right of and above the operator, greatly improving the driver’s posture.

Andre Van Den Berg, CHE Technical Specialist SAI at APM Terminals adds that the investment into the new Konecranes reach stackers has paid dividends, allowing the company to further streamline its operations.

“We are impressed with the efficiency and flexibility that Konecranes reach stackers have offered to our operations at Ford. This, combined with EIE Group’s [CFAO Equipment SA] consistent communication, professionalism, dedication and exceptional customer service has resulted in us placing another order for a Konecranes SMV 6-7 ECC 90 empty container handler, which will be utilised at our Gqeberha port facility.”

Naidoo says that CFAO Equipment’s partnership with a globally-renowned customer such as APM Terminals is testament to the company’s ability to offer world-class service and products.

“EIE Group offers the world’s best solutions to its customers, to meet any of their challenges and increase their operational efficiency,” he concludes.