Western Australia’s breakbulk steel distributor, Abrolhos Steel, has upgraded its manufacturing operations in Geraldton with the installation of a new Konecranes 5-tonne CXT crane, replacing a 30-year-old unit that had become increasingly difficult to maintain.
The new electric overhead travelling crane spans 18 metres and is designed to handle large, irregularly shaped steel products, including plates, sheets, and hollow sections.
These items are typically distributed individually through the breakbulk shipping method to remote and diverse sites, making efficient and reliable handling equipment essential to Abrolhos Steel’s operations, Konecranes stated in a news release.
Philip Martin, Managing Director of Abrolhos Steel, said the decision to invest in the Konecranes unit was driven by the need for dependability and support, especially given the company’s remote location approximately 400 kilometres north of Perth.
“We chose Konecranes for our new cranes because they have a reputation for high quality products, good reliability, and outstanding service,” Martin said.
“We could have selected a cheaper and less capable crane, but if there was a breakdown that caused us downtime, it would have cost us more in the long run. Konecranes gave us the reliability and service availability that we required.”
Konecranes’ CXT cranes are known for their versatility and after-sales support, making them a preferred solution in manufacturing and materials handling applications.
For Abrolhos Steel, the crane plays a crucial role in both the storage and despatch of steel products. The equipment enables efficient movement of goods such as steel pipes, roofing materials, and structural accessories to customer loading areas, including for use in mining and construction sectors.
In addition to its core steel distribution business, Abrolhos Steel also designs and manufactures workshops and offices tailored for remote mine sites, including dome shelters and containerised structures.
The installation of the crane was completed within a week, allowing the company to maintain production schedules with minimal disruption.
“Taking a crane offline is always a challenging task when you have customer orders to fulfil,” Martin said. “With careful strategic planning from my team, combined with hard work and excellent communication from Konecranes, we were able to coordinate this highly effectively.”
Martin added that the modern crane has also brought new digital monitoring features, enhancing operational planning and reducing future downtime.
“We are now able to monitor how many loads are being moved, so we can more effectively and strategically plan our crane services,” he said.
According to Konecranes, the CXT crane’s compact design and advanced safety and control features make it particularly well suited to manufacturing operations requiring precision and reliability.
The company’s team also worked closely with Abrolhos Steel to ensure a smooth commissioning process and prompt local support.
“The crane is working perfectly in service,” Martin said. “The communication from the Konecranes team has been first class throughout the upgrade process.”
