Kalmar will supply 10 new machines for GCT Canada’s fleet renewal programme at its Deltaport and Vanterm terminals in Vancouver.
The order, which comprises three heavy-duty loaded container handlers (top picks), four empty container handlers, and three reachstackers, was booked in Cargotec’s 2018 first quarter order intake with delivery scheduled to take place during Q3 and Q4 of 2018. It is an important one for Kalmar, Taylor Machine Works has been the leader in the North American market for top picks and Kalmar is pushing for a greater share of the market. GCT Canada already operates Kalmar empty container handlers and top loaders at its terminals.
With regard to the top picks, Kalmar heavy-duty DCF-series loaded container handlers have a lifting capacity of 41 tons and are able to stack 9’6" containers up to five high. “In order to maximize productivity and safety, these machines provide the operator with full visibility and control over every single step in the handling process,” Kalmar said.
Kalmar also noted that “All the new machines supplied to GCT Canada will feature Volvo engines that comply with the latest latest emissions requirements, in line with the company’s Global Commitment to ensure sustainable operations at all its terminals”.
Dale Shimell, Director, Maintenance & Engineering, GCT Canada, said sustainability is important to GCT. "Sustainability is one of our core values, and it is embedded in the way in which we do business. Our operations continue to innovate through densifying on our existing footprints, improving our energy efficiency, and decreasing overall emissions through such fleet renewals. We chose Kalmar equipment based on lower fuel consumption and emissions, build quality and reliability, the improved comfort that the ergonomic operator cabins provide, as well as their strong local customer support. For these reasons, Kalmar was the natural choice when it came to choosing equipment to renew our existing fleets."
The machines will be supplied through Kalmar’s local dealer, Masonlift Ltd, which now represents Kalmar for container handlers as well as Ottawa terminal tractors. "We were excited to expand our partnership with GCT Canada on the supply of Kalmar container handlers,” said Jeff Larsen, Vice President & General Manager at Masonlift Ltd. “Our cooperation started in 2015, shortly after MasonLift was appointed the Kalmar container handler product line for British Columbia. The first order of container handlers was delivered in 2016. For that delivery in a short time, the companies collaborated to identify product improvements that would benefit the customer’s particular operating environment. These recommendations were then brought to Kalmar who immediately recognised their benefits, and quickly made them happen. These improvements are a result of a three-way partnership, a customer that is willing to work with the local dealer, and a manufacturer that supports their dealers and customers."
Vincent Hruska, Sales Manager, Kalmar USA added: "The latest order from GCT Canada has now strengthened our partnership with them and underlines the faith they have in our mobile equipment solutions. We are proud to be able to say that Kalmar equipment will form the backbone of their fleet renewal program."