Konecranes America Inc. has won the contract to supply two hot metal cranes and a service crane to Nucor’s steel mill in Jewett, Texas, USA. This transaction marks the first time one of America’s big steel mills choose KCI Konecranes, and the first time an American steelmaker has purchased hot metal cranes featuring new AC technology, which offer significant operative savings over traditional DC solutions. The cranes will be delivered in April, July and August of 2003.
Hot metal cranes represent the severest duty class and have to meet the most stringent safety standards of all industrial cranes. American steel mills have been somewhat reluctant to abandon old technical solutions, although new technology can offer significant savings in operating costs. KCI Konecranes possesses ample experience and knowledge in new crane technology, having delivered similar cranes to several steel mills around the world, including Scandinavia and the Far East.
Nucor is building a new melt shop, which will include a new charge crane, ladle crane and a caster service crane supplied by Konecranes. The charge crane is a CMAA Class "F" crane rated at 200 tons with two auxiliary hoists rated at 75 and 25 tons. The ladle crane is essentially the same configuration without the 25-ton auxiliary. The caster maintenance crane is rated at 100 tons with a 35-ton auxiliary. All three cranes feature innovative AC drive systems with variable frequency controls.
Nucor’s stated objective was to build a world-class operation, including world-class crane equipment. According to Dick Rappolee, maintenance supervisor for Nucor, the new facility is a one-furnace operation replacing three existing furnaces.
"The furnace is twice as large as any of the three existing furnaces, and requires heavier crane equipment to service it," Rappolee said. "All of the technology is much more modern than what we previously had, including the AC induction motor cranes supplied by KCI Konecranes. As far as we know, induction AC-powered hot metal cranes of this capacity have not been seen in this country until now. We believe the operating costs will be lower due to increased reliability. As a break from a more traditional approach of redundant overhead cranes, we feel having the right crane in place eliminates the need for a second crane, which significantly reduces capital costs."
A team from Nucor visited Konecranes headquarters in Hyvinkää, Finland to meet with the crane designers and to see similar cranes in operation at AvestaPolarit’s mill in Tornio, Finland and at SSAB in Lulea, Sweden.
"This trip was an excellent example of team selling, with Konecranes’ current customers as part of our team," said Konecranes Regional Sales Manager Mark Laughlin, who accompanied Nucor to Finland. "Both AvestaPolarit and SSAB were very open and helpful, answering Nucor’s questions and discussing their crane experiences. Having such strong support from our existing steel customers helped solidify Nucor’s confidence in KCI Konecranes." KCI Konecranes’ unique position as a recognised leader in crane technology who could unite global resources with a local presence and service support was another factor in winning the order.
Dick Rappolee agreed. "If we had to pinpoint one reason for selecting Konecranes as our crane partner, it would have to be their innovative design approach and dedication to providing world-class equipment. The commitment to provide Nucor with the innovative cranes we asked for was present throughout their organisation. We feel they understand world-class performance and results."
Konecranes America Inc.’s Houston manufacturing facility will build the cranes with input from the Konecranes’ Global Crane Company’s design team and the Heavy Components Group in Finland. KCI Crane Pro Services in Dallas will handle preventive maintenance inspections on the cranes.
Nucor Corporation headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, USA is the largest steel producer in the United States with over $4.1 billion in sales annually.
KCI Konecranes, headquartered in Hyvinkää, Finland is a world leading Engineering Group specialising in advanced overhead lifting solutions and maintenance services. In 2001, Group sales totalled EUR 756 million with over 4400 employees in 34 countries all over the world.
For further information, please contact:
Konecranes America Inc.
Doug Maclam, Director - Sales and Marketing
Tel. +1-281-445-2225
