Konecranes delivers new coil handling crane to Welser Profile in Austria

Konecranes has completed the installation and handover of a new 42-ton coil handling crane at Welser Profile’s production facility in Gresten, Austria. The project involved dismantling the previous 36-ton coil crane and replacing a 175-meter crane runway and crane power supplies, enhancing operational reliability and performance. The order was booked in 2023 and finalized with the handover in February 2025.

Konecranes conducted a design life analysis of the existing crane and crane runway, which concluded that both had reached the end of their estimated service life. In collaboration with the customer, a global manufacturer of custom roll-formed profiles made from steel and non-ferrous metals, actual crane usage and future production plans were reviewed to determine the needs for the handling of steel and aluminum coils used in production.

The new 42-ton coil crane includes the following features:

• Crane operator cabin with ergonomic chair, mounted on the double frame trolley
• Fully redundant coil magnet control system
• DynaReg regenerative braking system
• LED flood lighting for work area illumination
• Emergency coil lowering function from the cabin in the event of power loss
• Interface with the existing warehouse management system
• Smart features including sway control, slack rope prevention, shock load prevention, load floating, ESR (Extended Speed Range), brake monitoring, and target positioning
• Konecranes Crane Safety Lights to visually indicate active lifting areas

These features contribute to increased safety, productivity, energy efficiency and operational reliability, fully aligning with Welser Profile's own ambitions.

“Our main objective was to ensure the durability and long-term sustainability of the investment, achieved through the optimal classification and procurement of a process crane. At the same time, we focused on maximizing operator safety by introducing several innovations, particularly in danger zone signaling, target positioning and emergency lowering. The complexity of the project required detailed coordination—especially for delivery and assembly—which was handled exceptionally well thanks to strong cooperation. Challenges on site were met with effective adjustments, and from joint system design to final implementation, all process requirements were fully met—often even exceeded. We’re very pleased with the result,” says Franz-Josef Loibl, Head of asset management, Plant Gresten at Welser Profile.

“We have not just delivered a crane; we have delivered a solution for a complex process without compromising on safety and productivity. But our commitment does not end there. We provide lifecycle services – this is what customers like Welser want, and this is what we can deliver,” said Markus Scheibelberger, Director of Product Sales, ISE EMEA, Konecranes.

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