• 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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HHLA’s start to the year shaped by weather-related factors

• Container throughput declines by 5.3 percent to 1,462 thousand TEU
• Container transport 1.5 percent down to 489 thousand TEU
• Group revenue rises by 3.5 percent to € 450.9 million
• Operating result (EBIT) decreases by 6.3 percent to € 30.5 million

Hamburg, 13 May 2026 | In addition to geopolitical tensions, the harsh winter conditions restricted the performance of Hamburger Hafen und Logistik AG (HHLA) in the first quarter of 2026. As a result, operations at the Hamburg container terminals were temporarily possible to only a limited extent. The rail division experienced cancellations and delays caused by track closures, frozen rail points and other disruptions. Nevertheless, Group revenue rose by 3.5 percent to € 450.9 million (previous year: € 435.6 million). The operating result (EBIT) fell by 6.3 percent to € 30.5 million (previous year: € 32.5 million) primarily due to the weather-related adverse effects. Group container throughput decreased by 5.3 percent year-on-year to 1,462 thousand standard containers (TEU) (previous year: 1,544 thousand TEU). Transport volume in the Intermodal segment dropped by 1.5 percent to 489 thousand TEU (previous year: 496 thousand TEU).

Jeroen Eijsink, HHLA Chief Executive Officer: “Our start to 2026 was shaped by extraordinary weather conditions and high operating demands. At times, the resulting restrictions had a considerable adverse effect on our processes at the container terminals in Hamburg and in rail transport operations. At the same time, we are consistently pushing ahead with the modernisation and automation of our terminals. In doing so, we are sustainably strengthening HHLA’s efficiency and performance and further expanding our position as a reliable partner in international supply chains.”

Port Logistics subgroup: performance January to March 2026

The listed Port Logistics subgroup achieved a moderate increase of 3.6 percent in revenue to € 441.8 million in the first three months of 2026 (previous year: € 426.3 million). The operating result (EBIT) declined by 5.5 percent to € 27.2 million (previous year: € 28.8 million). The EBIT margin decreased year-on-year by 0.6 percentage points to 6.1 percent (previous year: 6.7 percent). Profit after tax and minority interests amounted to € – 0.8 million (previous year: € 5.8 million).

In the Container segment, container handling at HHLA’s container terminals decreased significantly year-on-year by 5.3 percent to 1,462 thousand TEU (previous year: 1,544 thousand TEU). The throughput volume at the Hamburg container terminals was 1,374 thousand TEU, down 6.6 percent on the same period last year (previous year: 1,472 thousand TEU). This was primarily due to the subdued start to the year as a result of the harsh winter, which negatively impacted all shipping regions. However, the operating situation largely stabilised over the course of the first quarter. A further issue was the development of individual shipping regions, which continued to be shaped by service and customer-related shifts as a result of changing alliances. For example, there was a decline in overseas traffic volumes in the shipping regions North America and the Far East, especially China. Additional throughput volume from other shipping regions, such as Australia, as well as on European routes could only partly offset this effect. Volumes for feeder traffic also decreased significantly year-on-year. In particular, traffic from Scandinavia, Lithuania and the United Kingdom dropped significantly. By contrast, cargo volumes from Germany and Poland were up. The proportion of seaborne handling by feeders amounted to 19.3 percent (previous year: 20.0 percent).

Meanwhile, the international container terminals reported a strong rise in throughput volume of 21.5 percent to 88 thousand TEU (previous year: 72 thousand TEU). In addition to the volume growth at HHLA PLT Italy, this was due in particular to increased handling at Container Terminal Odessa (CTO). By contrast, the handling volume at the multifunctional terminal HHLA TK Estonia decreased slightly.

Despite declining volumes, the Container segment’s revenue rose by 4.6 percent in the reporting period to € 215.9 million (previous year: € 206.4 million) as a result of additional storage fees due to longer dwell times, as well as beneficial shifts in the modal split. The positive trend at HHLA’s international container terminals also contributed to the increase in revenue, driven by an overall improvement in the volume and revenue situation. By contrast, the operating result (EBIT) was adversely affected by a weather-related decline in productivity and a strong rise in operating expenses. Against this background, EBIT fell by 28.6 percent to € 12.8 million (previous year: € 18.0 million). The EBIT margin decreased by 2.8 percentage points to 5.9 percent (previous year: 8.7 percent).

The Intermodal segment saw a slight drop in volumes in the first quarter of 2026. Container transport declined by a total of 1.5 percent to 489 thousand TEU (previous year: 496 thousand TEU). Rail transport decreased year-on-year by 1.1 percent to 424 thousand TEU (previous year: 428 thousand TEU). This was largely due to decreased traffic with the North German and Adriatic seaports, as well as decreased transport volume in the German-speaking countries. There was a decline in road transport of 4.5 percent to 65 thousand TEU (previous year: 68 thousand TEU), with the difficult weather conditions at the start of the year also having an adverse effect here.

Revenue increased year-on-year by 1.8 percent to € 205.6 million (previous year: € 202.0 million). This was due in particular to necessary price adjustments, as well as to rail’s higher share of total transport volumes, which rose by 0.4 percentage points to 86.7 percent (previous year: 86.3 percent).

The operating result (EBIT) amounted to € 20.1 million in the reporting period and was therefore 0.5 percent higher than in the previous year (previous year: € 20.0 million). The EBIT margin declined by 0.1 percentage points to 9.8 percent (previous year: 9.9 percent). The slight decrease in volumes was cushioned by the increase in average revenue due to price adjustments and the higher share of rail transport. As a result, the burden on earnings from adverse operational effects – including weather-related additional costs at the beginning of the year, construction work on major transport routes and high capacity utilisation at the North German seaports – could be largely offset.

Real Estate subgroup: performance January to March 2026

HHLA’s properties in the Speicherstadt historical warehouse district and the fish market area of Hamburg recorded a stable performance in a market that remained challenging, with occupancy almost full in the first quarter of 2026.

Revenue of € 11.6 million was the same as in the previous year (previous year: € 11.6 million). By contrast, there was a strong decrease in the cumulative operating result (EBIT), which fell by 12.3 percent to € 3.2 million in the reporting period (previous year: € 3.7 million). This decline was primarily attributable to higher maintenance costs and increased depreciation and amortisation.

Outlook for the 2026 financial year confirmed

In the first three months of the 2026 financial year, there were no new events of material importance to necessitate any change to the expected course of business in 2026 as published in the 2025 Annual Report at the end of March.
Key figures for January to March 2026

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• Following the arrival of two LPS 550 portal slewing cranes with electric drives in 2023, Liebherr has delivered a third crane to strengthen bulk handling capability for demanding operations.
• Middlesbrough-based PD Ports operates Teesport, handling containers, bulk and project cargo using Liebherr equipment to meet the needs of its diverse customer base.
• The expansion strengthens Teesport’s position as one of the UK’s largest ports with deep-water access and strong rail connectivity, facilitating around 26-28 million tonnes of cargo annually and making a significant contribution to the regional economic.

The LPS 550 combines electric drive systems, precise engineering and smooth operation to deliver steady performance. Liebherr’s innovative design also ensures accurate grab operations, providing operators with a reliable tool when bulk vessels stack at the berth.

Rostock (Germany), May 2026 – Reliability, taken seriously at the quayside. From Liebherr’s Baltic-side production facility, an LPS 550 fitted with an electric drive has been delivered to Middlesbrough to increase PD Ports’ productivity. The new machine will focus on bulk work at Teesport, complementing two sister cranes commissioned in 2023, strengthening hatch coverage and maintaining consistent cycle times.

Day-to-day, the Port supports a complex gateway that handles tens of millions of tonnes of cargo each year, with over £1.4 billion contributed to the regional economy. With easy access from the sea, deep quays and rail connections timed around ship arrivals, the Port is well positioned to benefit from equipment that operates reliably, quietly and on schedule.

A port shaped by industry, focused on future freight

The Port’s objective is straightforward: keep bulk ships on schedule while maintaining berth flexibility during peaks. The LPS 550’s long outreach reduces repositioning across wider hatches, while its 144-tonne capacity supports heavier lifts across mixed cargo operations. The addition of the third LPS 550 further enhances PD Ports’ capabilities and opens up new business opportunities.

Grant Honzik, Business Unit Director – Bulks at PD Ports, said: ‘This latest investment is about building resilience and capacity into our bulk operations at Teesport for the long term.

‘The performance and reliability of the existing Liebherr cranes has been proven day in, day out, and adding a third LPS 550 gives us greater flexibility on the berth and more headroom during peak demand.

‘For our customers, that means consistent performance, quicker turnarounds and confidence that Teesport can keep cargo moving efficiently.

‘It’s another practical step in our continued investment programme to make sure the port remains a dependable, high-capacity gateway for bulk and mixed cargo flows.’ As the official Port Authority for the area and a major regional employer with sites across the UK, PD Ports approaches this investment with a clear focus on safety, long-term growth and practical results.

Engineering capacity for bulk, flexibility for mixed cargo

Electric drives allow the crane to move smoothly and precisely, helping operators work consistently over long shifts. Operating exclusively on shore power, the crane runs without combustion, eliminating fuel use and supporting a fully electric, efficient way of working. The crane’s portal structure leaves plenty of room for trucks and rail vehicles to move around, helping Teesport make the most of its direct road links via the A66 and A19.

Liebherr Great Britain’s sales and service teams ensure fast access to parts and on-site support, with maintenance planned around ship and rail schedules to keep cranes available. This helps protect turnaround times and reduces disruption to daily port operations.

Gavin Robinson, Crane Electrical Manager at PD Ports, said: ‘The two previous LPS 550 cranes have been a great success with regard to both volumes handled and the reliability of the cranes.

‘The engineering team work in collaboration with Liebherr GB to ensure the continued efficiency of the LPS 550 fleet at Teesport.’

Liebherr Great Britains’s Divisional Manager Maritime & Port Equipment, David Vaughan, comments: ‘We have been working in partnership with PD Ports since the delivery of its first unit in 2023. To see the repeated trust in our products and services continue to expand has been great. It’s excellent to hear such positive feedback on the reliable uptime and performance of the previous units.’

Reliable equipment, sensible energy use and steady performance sit at the heart of this investment. With its size, long industrial heritage and strong links across North Sea trade routes, Teesport is well placed for growth and the LPS crane fleet is designed to support that future with confidence.

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Konecranes has deployed two E-VER 17-1200 C electric forklifts at Church Brothers Farms’receiving, shipping and cold storage facility in California, marking the first deployment of Konecranes electric forklifts in North America. Delivered in Q1 2026, the trucks have been commissioned and are now in active daily operation.

Church Brothers Farms is a grower-shipper of fresh vegetables that farms and harvests thousands of acres across California, Arizona and northern and central Mexico. At its receiving and cold storage facility in Salinas, California, the two Konecranes electric forklifts offload incoming deliveries and move products into warehousing and refrigerated storage areas. The new units support daily material flows with zero local tailpipe emissions during operation and lower operating costs compared to diesel-powered alternatives. They also support Church Brothers’ broader efforts to reduce emissions during operations while modernizing handling across its facilities.

“Keeping high volumes of fresh produce flowing smoothly through our shipping and cold storage areas is essential to our business. The quality of the Konecranes electric forklifts and distributor Total Industries’ strong local support were appealing selling points for us, and these machines will help us maintain reliable operations while supporting our shift to lower-emission handling,” says Mike Manderson, Vice President of Warehousing, Distribution and Fulfillment, Church Brothers Farms.

The new lift trucks combine high performance with strong safety and ergonomic standards, ensuring a comfortable and efficient operator environment. Equipped with the TRUCONNECT Premium+ package, Church Brother Farms can monitor the hydraulic oil condition and contamination forboth forklifts, extending the oil life by up to three times longer. This helps reduce maintenance costs, increase uptime, and lower overall environmental impact.

“We’re proud to support North America’s first Konecranes electric forklift deployment at Church Brothers Farms. With deep experience supporting agricultural and produce-handling operations across the United States, Total Industries will provide ongoing service support to help keep this fleet running at peak performance,” says Steve Huckbody, Solutions Consultant, Total Industries.

“Delivering the first Konecranes electric forklifts to Church Brothers Farms marks a major step forward for electric material handling in the U.S. With support from our distributor Total Industries, we were able to bring the right local expertise and on-the-ground service capability to the project,” says Tobias Nilsson, Regional Sales Manager North America, Lift Trucks, Konecranes.

This agreement is part of 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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Ports of Indiana and Indiana University Southeast have partnered to launch a logistics internship to support local workforce needs and introduce college students to port operations. In May, the program’s first intern, Jonas Powers, will begin a 15-week internship, gaining hands-on experience in transportation, logistics, agribusiness, warehousing, and port operations.

Ports of Indiana operates three ports, which support 50,000 jobs and generate $8.7 billion in annual economic impact for the state. This pilot program will be expanded to offer internships in multiple port locations through university partnerships designed to meet Indiana’s growing logistics workforce needs.

Powers is a second-year student from Corydon, Ind., majoring in Supply Chain Management. During the internship, he will work with Ports of Indiana and four port companies that play a key role in Indiana’s global trade and freight logistics.

“Indiana’s logistics industry depends on a strong workforce, and that starts by helping young people see the exciting career opportunities available in our ports and supply chains,” said Jody Peacock, CEO for Ports of Indiana. “Through our partnership with IU Southeast, we can introduce students to high-demand careers while raising awareness of the vital roles ports play in connecting Indiana businesses to global markets and driving long-term economic growth.”

Indiana University Southeast, located in New Albany, offers top quality and nationally accredited programs and has a track record of strong student outcomes—with 99 percent of graduates going on to employment or graduate school. The partnership reflects the university’s commitment to connecting students with meaningful professional opportunities in the region.

“IU Southeast is excited to partner with Ports of Indiana and offer our students this valuable internship experience,” said Dr. Debbie Ford, Chancellor of Indiana University Southeast. “Partnerships like this create powerful opportunities for our students to connect their classroom learning with real-world experience. By working alongside respected employers, our students gain valuable professional skills while strengthening the talent pipeline that helps our regional economy grow.”

The maritime industry employs 650,000 workers in the U.S., and one out of every five Indiana jobs is related to logistics. In addition, Ports of Indiana is advancing significant job growth initiatives, investing in a $100 million capital program, and developing new multimodal terminals at all three ports on the Ohio River and Lake Michigan.

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Konecranes Lift Trucks has entered into a new distributor agreement with Toyota Material Handling Solutions covering Southern California, with a special focus on the busy Los Angeles–Long Beach logistics corridor.

Representing a broad portfolio of material handling equipment, Toyota Material Handling Solutions brings more than 50 years of extensive experience in demanding industrial and logistics operations. Its strong technical capabilities and service workshops provide a solid foundation for representing Konecranes Lift Trucks across the region. A recipient of Toyota’s 2024 and 2025 President’s Award, Toyota Material Handling Solutions is recognized among the top North American Toyota forklift dealers for excellence in customer satisfaction, parts, service, equipment sales, finance, and overall operations.

The new partnership expands sales activities and supports the rollout of electric forklift solutions, with customer demonstrationsplanned as part of upcoming industry events. Toyota Material Handling Solutions will play a central role in advancing the electrification of operator fleets in California as well as provide local service.

Through Toyota Material Handling Solutions, customers in Southern California will have local access to Konecranes lift trucks built for demanding logistics operations, combining high performance with robust safety features and ergonomic design. TRUCONNECT® Remote Monitoring adds real-time equipment insights that support preventive service planning, helping maximize uptime throughout the truck lifecycle.

“Konecranes Lift Trucks offers a strong and reliable portfolio that complements our existing capabilities very well. We look forward to introducing these products to customers moving towards more efficient and lower operational emission material handling,” says Anthony Spano, Vice President of Sales & Marketing at Toyota Material Handling Solutions.

The agreement is part of Konecranes Lift Trucks’ continued investment in its global distributor network, which plays a central role in delivering local expertise and lifecycle support to customers worldwide.

“Expanding our sales and service presence in California is anotherimportant step in securing our position in key logistics corridors across the globe. With Toyota Material Handling Solutions, we gain a strong partner with deep market knowledge and the technical capabilities needed to grow our business in this important US market,” says Paco Pruden, Regional Director Americas at Konecranes Lift Trucks.

TRADE PRESS RELEASE

This agreement is part of 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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