Hitachi Construction Machinery (Europe) NV (HCME) has appointed SMG Macchine d.o.o. to be its new authorised dealer in Croatia as of 1 July 2026. The Sesvete-based company has ten years of machine sales and after-sales service experience in the southeast European country, and has represented the reliable orange brand as a sub-dealer – on behalf of one of HCME’s Italian dealers, SCAI – since 2016.

In line with this announcement, SMG Macchine will provide customers with the complete line-up of Hitachi construction machinery as well as the Hitachi Premium Rental offering. Ideally located on the outskirts of the capital city Zagreb, it serves a variety of industry solutions, including road and general construction, forestry, infrastructure, and agriculture. Its customer base also varies, from small family-run farms to the largest construction companies in Croatia.

“The most important thing for our customers is being supplied with a high-quality machine for the right price, and which is supported with a high level of service,” says Zeljko Vranjković, CEO of SMG Macchine. While its experienced sales and service teams are based in Zagreb, in the near future the company plans to open a new branch to serve the Adriatic coast in Croatia’s second largest city, Split.

“We look forward to working with Hitachi, a brand that stands for quality, reliability and durability,” adds Josip Bakula, Procurement Manager. “The development of our company is based on continuous improvement, with education and training provided by leading equipment manufacturers, and respect for the needs of our customers. By establishing strong professional relationships with our partners, we want to build trust for long-term cooperation and our mutual benefit.”

HCME CEO and President Francesco Quaranta says, “We are proud to work more closely with SMG Macchine to continue providing customers in Croatia with our reliable orange equipment and solutions. It is an exciting time for this market, and we are confident that SMG Macchine will support us with the brand’s transition to LANDCROS next year.”

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What a week!

Over five days at our facility in Louisiana, customers, partners and industry professionals came together to experience E-Cranes in action, exchange ideas and connect with the global E-Crane team.

Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make the 2026 edition of the E-Crane Demo Days such a success.

Take a look here >>

Throughout the week, visitors experienced live demonstrations, stepped into the operator cabin and connected directly with E-Crane engineers, operators and partners from across the industry. Ultimately, nothing replaces a hands-on experience.   Climbing the stairs and sitting down behind the controls is the best way to truly understand what an E-Crane is capable of.

Demo Days by the numbers

A special highlight was the visit of Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry, who took the controls himself and experienced E-Crane technology from the operator’s seat.

Official opening of the Gulf Coast Service Center

A key milestone during the event was the official opening of the new Gulf Coast Service Center at Port of Iberia, reinforcing E-Crane’s commitment to delivering stronger regional support, faster response times, and operational excellence for customers across the industry.

Strategically located with direct access to major inland and coastal waterways, the new facility strengthens E-Crane’s ability to support customers across the region with speed, flexibility and efficient logistics.

Strategically located with direct access to major inland and coastal waterways, the new facility strengthens E-Crane’s ability to support customers across the region with speed, flexibility and efficient logistics.

More than anything, the new Service Center reflects E-Crane’s commitment to staying close to its customers, both geographically and operationally.

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Konecranes has received an order for four 15-1200C electric forklifts from Swedishforestry group Södra. The electric forklifts will operate at two of their sites, Södra Cell Värö and Södra Cell Mörrum, both located in Sweden. The order was booked in Q1 2026, with three units scheduled for delivery in Q2 2026 and the fourth in Q3 2026.

Södra is Sweden’s largest forest owner association and a major producer of pulp, timber and bio-based products. Improving energy efficiency and electrification are key elements in reducing Scope 1 emissions in Södra’s operations, and Konecranes’ fully electric machines support these demanding material flows with zero tailpipe emissions during operation.

Since 2014, Konecranes has delivered more than 40 lift trucks to Södra across its operations. Three of the new Konecranes 15-1200C electric forklifts will be deployed to handle paper bales, while the fourth will be dedicated to timber operations. With these deliveries, Konecranes will have deployed a total of 13 electric forklifts to Södra.

“Konecranes electric forklifts meet Södra’s high standards in both operational performance and eco-efficiency. We have extensive experience working with the Konecranes team and this order continues that cooperation in support of our productivity and emission-reduction goals,” says Christer Dahlberg, Vehicle Maintenance Engineer at Södra.

The electric forklifts are supplied through Konecranes’ longtime distributor N.C. Nielsen. In addition to providing maintenance support, N.C. Nielsen’s technical expertise and knowledge of Södra’s business play an important role in the ongoing development of the company’s Konecranes fleet. The new lift trucks combine high performance with strong safety and ergonomic standards, ensuring a comfortable and efficient operator environment. They are also equipped with TRUCONNECT® Remote Monitoring, providing real-time insights to support preventive maintenance and maximize equipment uptime.

“Our close cooperation with Södra gives us valuable insight into the high performance and reliability their operations require. These electric forklifts are engineered to support heavy material flows at the mills while helping advance electrification. Together with N.C. Nielsen, we deliver solutions that strengthen daily operations and long-term customer goals,” says Daniel Sjöstrand, Sales Support Manager, Lift Trucks, Konecranes.

This agreement supports Ecolifting, Konecranes’ comprehensive step-by-step roadmap to zero tailpipe emissions that supports the decarbonization of port operations. Our solutions range from renewable diesel-powered drives, to hybrid and fully-electrified fleets, and emerging options like hydrogen, all designed to meet the needs of each customer today and for the future.

A strong focus on customers and commitment to business growth and continuous improvement make Konecranes a material handling industry leader. This is underpinned by investments in digitalization and technology, plus our work to make material flows more efficient with solutions that support the decarbonization of the economy and advance circularity and safety.

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Operators take centre stage in the LANDCROS European Operator Challenge

The most advanced operator skills and reliable orange machines will be in the spotlight at the inaugural LANDCROS European Operator Challenge. Hitachi Construction Machinery (Europe) NV (HCME) is hosting the grand final of the competition on 10-11 September, following ten qualifying rounds hosted by leading European dealers between May and June.

The contest combines real-life operating conditions with fun, engaging elements that will demonstrate the true extent of operators’ capabilities. Tasks are inspired by regular job-site activities, and include skill-based exercises to test control, precision and overall handling of the machine.

Real skills, real machines, real competition

Participants can choose to compete activities on the ZX95USB-7 compact or the ZX210-7 medium excavators, and the ZW250/ZW310-7 wheel loaders. Between 12-16 operators are expected to attend each of the national events.

The first will be held by Spanish dealer HJM on 30 May, followed by HCM UK on 6 June and Swiss dealer Probst Maveg on 8-9 June. HCM Netherlands, HCM France, Luyckx in Belgium and SCAI in Italy will host their events later that month, and Moviter in Portugal, and SIA Alwark in Latvia and Lithuania complete the line-up.

The winners of the national heats will compete for the title of LANDCROS European Operator Champion at the final at HCME headquarters in Amsterdam. The overall winner will receive an exclusive trip for two to Japan, and the top three contestants will be invited to showcase their skills as brand ambassadors at the LANDCROS outdoor demonstration area at Intermat Paris 2027.

The Reliable Orange

“The LANDCROS European Operator Challenge is an opportunity to celebrate the expertise of our talented operator community and the performance of some of our most popular reliable orange machines,” says HCME Director Marketing & Brand Communication Laura Hendriks

“With the support of our dealers, we are proud to launch the first LANDCROS event ahead of the Hitachi brand’s transition next April. We look forward to connecting with our customers and operators during this fun and engaging process, and crowning our champion for 2026. Let the battle begin!”

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In modern port operations, productivity and sustainability increasingly go hand in hand. A recent long-term performance analysis of our E-Crane operating in a CBH-application clearly demonstrates how both objectives can be achieved simultaneously.

About CBH operations

In this operation, bulk material is delivered to the quay inside dedicated 20ft containers mounted on terminal trailers. Using a rotating spreader, the E-Crane connects to the container, lifts it from the trailer, swings it over the vessel and rotates it to discharge the material directly into the ship’s hold. Once emptied, the container is accurately repositioned onto the truck’s twist locks. All this is done entirely without assistance from additional equipment.

One does it all

This unique single-machine approach not only simplifies the operation but also creates significant economic advantages. Since no auxiliary equipment is required, customers benefit from substantially lower capital expenditure, while operational costs are minimized through a highly efficient setup requiring only one operator on the dock.

The results

Over a monitored period of six months, the installation handled an impressive 1.21 million tons of cargo. Despite the operational constraints typical for this type of logistics chain, the crane consistently achieved an average handling rate of 20 containers per hour, while reaching peak vessel loading performances of up to 15,000 tons per day.

What makes these results truly exceptional is the crane’s remarkably low energy consumption. During the six-month monitoring period, the E-Crane’s single electrical motor operated for 2,859 hours with an average power consumption of only 146 kWh per hour. This translates into an astonishingly low energy usage of just 0.34 kWh per ton loaded.

Conclusion

Thanks to the balanced design and energy-efficient operating principle of the E-Crane, the installation combines continuous high-performance material handling with minimal power demand, resulting in significantly lower operating costs and reduced environmental impact.

This project once again confirms that efficient bulk handling is no longer only about throughput capacity. With E-Crane, customers benefit from a solution that delivers operational excellence, low ownership costs and industry-leading energy efficiency.

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• Order consists of five Konecranes Liftace 4532 TCE5 reach stackers, six Konecranes Liftace E 6/7 ECC9 empty container handlers, and oneKonecranes Gottwald ESP.7 Mobile Harbor Crane.

An expanding container terminal in the Republic of the Congo has ordered a package of Konecranes equipment to support continued growth in container volumes. The order was booked in Q1 2026, with delivery scheduled for H2 2026.

Located on the country’s west coast, the terminal supports regional container flows across Central Africa. Previous deliveries of Konecranes reach stackers and empty container handlers between 2021 and 2025 have established a reliable handling fleet at the site. This latest investment will support further business growth.

The five Konecranes Liftace 4532 TCE5 reach stackers are designed to support efficient container movement across the yard, while the six Konecranes Liftace E 6/7 ECC9 empty container handlers deliverdedicated capacity for stacking and repositioning empty containers. All these lift trucks combine high performance with strong safety and ergonomic standards, ensuring a comfortable and efficient operator environment.

Local delivery and lifecycle support for the lift trucks will be provided through Konecranes distributor Paterson Simons. The distributor’s technical team will maintain an on-site presence for eight months, supporting commissioning and initial operations.

“Our long-standing cooperation with the terminal group, together with Paterson Simons’ local presence, creates the conditions for smooth commissioning and dependable lifecycle support. The result is a fleet designed to improve operational efficiency and sustain performance,” says Patrik Lundbäck, VP, Sales & Distribution, Lift Trucks, Konecranes.

Complementing the quay fleet, the Konecranes Gottwald ESP.7 mobile harbor crane will support efficient loading and unloading of container and general cargo at the terminal. With a lifting capacity of up to 125 tons and an outreach of up to 51 meters, the crane is engineered to provide reliable performance across a wide range of handling tasks, as well as on vessels up to the post Panamax class.

All 11 lift trucks and the mobile harbor crane are equipped with TRUCONNECT® Premium Remote Monitoring, providing real-time insights to support preventive maintenance and maximize equipment uptime.

“When customers choose Konecranes for both yard and quay equipment, they benefit from a consistent approach across the terminal. With our digital services delivering performance insights for the full fleet, operators gain the visibility to support efficiency over the longer term,” says Antoine Bosquet, VP Sales, Quay, Konecranes.

A strong focus on customers and commitment to business growth and continuous improvement make Konecranes a material handling industry leader. This is underpinned by investments in digitalization and technology, plus our work to make material flows more efficient with solutions that support the decarbonization of the economy and advance circularity and safety.

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• New Liebherr app “Parts Assistant” provides AI-supported part recognition on-site with five different search options – app usage is free of charge
• With over 100 different languages available for text searches, the app caters to diverse needs around the world
• Smart support for maintenance planning, featuring listing of scheduled maintenance tasks including a pre-populated shopping basket for parts ordering

Liebherr Maritime Cranes has released Parts Assistant, a digital application designed to simplify spare parts identification and maintenance preparation for maritime cranes. The app combines AI-powered part recognition with guided maintenance planning, addressing a long‑standing operational challenge in cargo handling, port logistics and offshore operations: fast, error-free access to the right components at the right time.

Rostock (Germany), May 2026 – The Parts Assistant is available globally via App Store (iOS) and Google Play (android) and can be used free of charge by customers with a valid MyLiebherr business account. Developed with direct input from operational users, the application supports different maintenance environments, including ports, terminals and offshore installations where rapid decision-making on site is critical.

At the core of the app is an AI-based spare parts identification function. Users can identify components via photo recognition, text search in more than 100 languages, QR code scanning, entering the item number or a combination. This functionality allows immediate identification even when nameplates are damaged, unreadable or missing. Additionally, results can be cross-checked using the official Liebherr parts catalogue before ordering, reducing the risk of incorrect orders and subsequent deliveries.

Complementing part identification

The app helps users by listing the actual operating hours of the machines and the respective service kits for the next regular maintenance interval. The overview includes lists of required spare parts, service materials and consumables. These lists can be customised to meet operational requirements and then ordered in seconds. ‘Parts Assistant represents a next level of work simplification for our customers,’ says Florian Markert, Product Manager at Liebherr. ‘By simplifying and accelerating parts identification directly on the machine we are helping maintenance teams to focus on the maintenance itself rather than the administration.’

Cross-check with professionals

An additional feature, expert check, addresses situations where operational certainty is required. If users are unsure whether the identified component is correct, the app allows them to submit a verification request directly to the responsible Liebherr service partner. The request is processed via a dedicated service ticket, ensuring professional confirmation without interrupting on-site work.

The app has already received strong feedback during a preceding trial phase. Users involved in testing reported noticeable time savings, fewer ordering errors and improved transparency when preparing maintenance activities across crane fleets. Based on this response, the app was made broadly available while continuing development. ‘We have seen very constructive feedback from customers who participated in the trial phase, and we are pleased to be able to provide this work-simplifying tool to the wider market now,’ Florian Markert adds. ‘We are continuously expanding its functionality and scope, based on operational requirements and technological progress.’

With Parts Assistant, we have developed an application for mobile harbour, offshore and ship cranes, as well as deep foundation, duty cycle and crawler cranes (up to 400 t). This cross-sector approach underlines our broader strategy of applying digital solutions consistently across our industrial portfolio.

We position digital service tools as a practical benchmark rather than a showcase – aimed at measurable efficiency gains and forward-looking maintenance processes in global cargo handling and industrial operations.

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[Neponset, IL, USA] – The global leader in bulk material handling solutions, Martin Engineering, has announced the acquisition of ConveyorTech Pty Ltd* (CVT) of Australia, expanding its worldwide portfolio of conveyor belt cleaners and components.

Acquiring CVT gives Martin’s global product range an unprecedented boost, offering mine operators and materials processors the widest variety of conveyor belt cleaners of any supplier. This includes many popular non-urethane designs not previously available from Martin – making the firm a ‘one stop shop’ for belt cleaners and components.

With a history of product innovation, CVT holds the IP, designs and specifications for a vast array of tried-and-tested conveyor components that Martin is now introducing to its customers, starting with heavy-duty primary and secondary belt cleaners with tungsten-tipped blades engineered for the most demanding mining applications.

The Martin® H1 Primary and P2 Secondary Belt Cleaners with stainless streel mainframes, set up for training at the firm’s Center for Innovation, Neponset, Illinois.

Bert Erdmann, Martin Engineering’s Global Engineering Manager for Conveyor Products said: “This deal represents one of our most significant strategic expansions of the last decade. The CVT product range is a smart fit for Martin, with designs that complement the existing portfolio of high-performance belt cleaners and conveyor products we’re renowned for. Now more than ever, whatever the industry, whatever the application and whatever the handling challenge, Martin has a solution to help customers reduce carryback, minimise maintenance and improve safety.”

Rory Summerford has joined Martin Engineering to oversee the global integration of the CVT range.

In a complementary move, Rory Summerford, who has worked closely with CVT, has joined Martin Engineering to oversee the integration of the new product range and grow the business in collaboration with Martin’s business units around the world. With 30 years of experience supporting major mine operators and material producers, Rory has extensive expertise in conveyor systems and bulk handling solutions.

Summerford commented: “The CVT product range brings proven designs and rugged construction that closely align with Martin’s long-held commitment to safety, efficiency and operational excellence. It’s putting the premium Martin brand behind a range of products that the firm hasn’t previously marketed, allowing us to offer spare parts and wear parts to existing installations. I’m delighted to be leading this product line as we integrate it into the Martin portfolio and deliver even greater value to our customers.”

Because many mine operators prefer non-urethane conveyor belt cleaners, the acquisition of CVT allows Martin to supply some of the more popular, fully interchangeable designs already on the market, enhancing them to improve durability and longevity, and carrying with them Martin’s ‘problem solved’ guarantee.

The first models Martin is bringing to market are the Martin® H1 Primary Belt Cleaner and Martin® P2 and R2 Secondary Belt Cleaners:

Martin® H1 Primary Belt Cleaner

Martin® H1 Primary Belt Cleaner – This cleaner features abrasion-resistant tungsten carbide tips, making it one of the most cost-efficient cleaning solutions in the industry. It is suitable for most material types and highly effective on abrasive materials and high-speed conveyor belts.

Martin® P2 Secondary Belt Cleaner

Martin® P2 Secondary Belt Cleaner – This secondary/tertiary cleaner, available with three different tungsten carbide tips, offers high performance by effectively removing abrasive materials from high-speed conveyor belts.  Designed to remove leftover fines, reducing spillage and airborne dust emissions.

Martin® R2 Secondary Belt Cleaner

Martin^® R2 Secondary Belt Cleaner – Suitable for reversing belts, trippers, and shuttles, the R2 is a secondary/tertiary cleaner featuring tungsten carbide-tips.  It offers the same robust performance in rough bulk-handling environments as the P2.

Martin’s integration of CVT involves applying its design standards, manufacturing capabilities and global distribution network to ensure consistent product availability, performance and aftersales support. Among the first countries to gain access to the new products are Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, India, Mexico, USA and parts of Europe.

With the addition of CVT products in its existing line-up, Martin Engineering’s customers have access to the broadest spectrum of belt cleaning systems, the widest application coverage, the shortest lead times and access to the greatest global supply chain footprint of any belt cleaning supplier.

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Mount Vernon port’s largest project in 20 years will triple soybean handling capacity

MOUNT VERNON, Ind. (May 19, 2026) – State and local officials today celebrated the groundbreaking of Consolidated Grain and Barge Co.’s (CGB) $47 million expansion at Ports of Indiana-Mount Vernon, the largest investment at Indiana’s largest port in more than 20 years.  Consolidated Grain and Barge Co. is a wholly owned subsidiary of CGB Enterprises, Inc.

The project is designed to triple grain handling capacity of CGB’s soybean processing operations at the Ohio River port. CGB currently processes approximately 50 million bushels of soybeans annually at Mount Vernon, producing soybean oil, meal, and soy hulls that are shipped to livestock producers and food companies around the world.

The expansion includes new grain storage and truck unloading facilities, as well as a conveyor system that transfers grain between multiple sites at the port. The project will increase the facility’s storage volume by 4.25 million bushels and boost truck unloading capacity by 200 percent. Construction is expected to be completed in 2027.

“CGB has been a long-standing leader in Indiana agriculture, and this investment at Ports of Indiana-Mount Vernon strengthens two of our greatest assets – world-class infrastructure and a leading agriculture economy,” said Indiana Governor Mike Braun. “Expanding CGB’s port facilities helps Hoosier farmers move crops more efficiently to global markets, supports rural communities, and reinforces Indiana’s leadership in agriculture and trade.”

CGB’s soybean volume at Mount Vernon has increased more than 60 percent over the past decade, driving the need for expanded capacity and improved truck flow. The new unloading system will allow entire truckloads to discharge without repositioning, reducing congestion on port roads, shortening turnaround times, and lowering transportation costs for local farmers.

“We strongly value our relationship with the state of Indiana, Ports of Indiana and the Mount Vernon community, and this investment centers on serving our farmers and the local community,” said CGB Enterprises, Inc. Executive Vice President Tom Malecha. “By improving traffic flow and reducing wait times, CGB is making soybean delivery at Mount Vernon more efficient while positioning the facility for the future. This port is an ideal location for growing our business and continuing to expand the value we bring to the agricultural, energy and food sectors.”

CGB also manages grain merchandising as well as ethanol and DDG transload facilities at the port. Founded in 1969, CGB operates more than 110 grain facilities across the Midwest and beyond with integrated barge, rail, and truck transportation capabilities.

“CGB is a world-class company that has been a tremendous partner at our Ohio River ports for nearly three decades,” said Ports of Indiana CEO Jody Peacock. “This investment demonstrates CGB’s strong commitment to Indiana agriculture, our port, and future growth opportunities that support local farmers. It also highlights the strategic competitive advantages Indiana’s ports create through robust barge and rail connections in the heart of one of the nation’s most productive agricultural regions.”

Indiana is one of the nation’s leading soybean-producing states, and the Mount Vernon port serves as a major gateway for agricultural exports. The port handles approximately 5 million tons of cargo annually, including grain, soy products, ethanol, fertilizer, steel, and project cargo. The 1,200-acre port has connections to five Class I railroads and is part of the nation’s busiest inland port district.

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Hitachi Construction Machinery (Europe) NV (HCME) is pleased to announce a significant development in its French dealer network. Effective 1 April 2026, XMTP, HCME’s long-standing and trusted partner in the Bordeaux region, has been appointed to represent the brand across an expanded territory in the greater south-west of France* (*grand Sud Ouest). 

This transition reflects our commitment to reinforcing our presence in these regions and ensuring the highest level of customer support, market coverage, and brand representation. By entrusting this expanded territory to XMTP, we are consolidating our network with a partner known for its strong technical expertise and customer‑focused approach.

Expanded Coverage Across Southern France

XMTP will now serve customers across the following departments, in addition to its existing territory:

09 – Ariège 11 – Aude 12 – Aveyron 16 – Charente 17 – Charente‑Maritime 24 – Dordogne 31 – Haute‑Garonne 32 – Gers 33 – Gironde 34 – Hérault 40 – Landes 47 – Lot‑et‑Garonne 48 – Lozère 64 – Pyrénées‑Atlantiques 65 – Hautes‑Pyrénées 66 – Pyrénées‑Orientales 81 – Tarn 82 – Tarn‑et‑Garonne

A Proven Partner, Ready to Grow

Led by the Lagarde family, XMTP is headquartered in Saint-André-de-Cubzac, north-west of Bordeaux, and has been an authorised Hitachi dealer since 2014. Over more than a decade, XMTP has built a strong reputation for technical excellence, operational reliability, and a genuine commitment to putting customers first, qualities that make it the right partner to represent Hitachi and the LANDCROS brand in an expanded area.

XMTP has embraced the long-term growth trajectory of both Hitachi Construction Machinery and the emerging LANDCROS brand with conviction. With a clear roadmap to grow its reach and continuously improve service quality, XMTP is committed to delivering on the promise that Hitachi and LANDCROS customers have come to expect.

“This transition reflects our ongoing commitment to ensuring the highest level of customer support, market coverage, and brand representation,” says Dr. Hubertus Muenster, HCME VP Sales. “We are confident that XMTP, with its strong foundation and ambitious plans for growth, is exceptionally well-placed to elevate the customer experience across these territories.

We thank SETP and BTP for their collaboration and wish them well for the future.”

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