19.01.2009

Kalmar reorganises in South Sweden

Cargotec, the owner of Kalmar and Hiab has announced rationalisation plans for its operations in the Småland region of southern Sweden.

The key part of this will concern the transfer of the majority of Kalmar's operations in Ljungby to its Lidhult facility, around 40 kilometres away.

The reorganisation will affect staffl working in the areas of Research & Development, technology, sales, sourcing, logistics and assembling. The service, finance and accounting functions will remain in Ljungby.

This initiative is in line with Cargotec's long-term goal to improve the efficiency and competitiveness of its Kalmar division. The transfer will generate annual savings of €2 million and will cost around €7 million, including a €3 million investment in Lidhult to accommodate the Ljungby products.

The company plans to offer the 175 employees affected the opportunity to relocate. The transfer is planned to start during April or May and it is expected to be completed by the end of the year.

Kalmar currently assembles reachstackers, container handlers and forklift trucks in both Ljungby and Lidhult, and employs a total of 380 people in Ljungby and 340 people in Lidhult.