Kobelco and Proplate - A Successful Partnership
Experience and Specialist Knowledge Led Kobelco to Choose Proplate
When Japanese crane manufacturer Kobelco transitioned from using wire ropes in their crawler cranes to steel braces, they selected Proplate as their supplier. Experience and specialist expertise made the difference.
Kobelco has nearly 50 percent of the Japanese market
Kobelco Construction Machinery Co. Ltd is part of the global Kobe Steel Group, an international supplier of cranes and construction equipment. In Japan, crawler cranes are used more extensively than in many other parts of the world. Kobelco leads the development of this type of crane in Japan and holds nearly 50 percent of the domestic market. They are also strong players in the international market. Kobelco first connected with Proplate at the international Bauma China trade show in Shanghai in 2011. Shortly thereafter, they scheduled a meeting in Sweden at Proplate's facility. Since then, we have maintained a successful partnership.
Proplate Impressed with Complete In-House Manufacturing
Why did Kobelco choose Proplate? Naoto Nishiyama from Kobelco's Supply-Chain Management Department explains:
"This was the first time Kobelco would use steel braces instead of wire ropes. Proplate appeared to have extensive experience and excellent results as a supplier of these types of products. Additionally, they had experience sourcing high-strength steel."
The 2012 meeting marked the beginning of a long-term collaboration. Kobelco was highly impressed by what they saw during their visit to Proplate.
"The brace supplier is located adjacent to SSAB. The cutting machines, processing equipment, and painting facilities are all within the gates, and the entire production can be done in-house. Beyond that, the clean halls and excellent environment contribute to an outstanding facility," notes Naoto Nishiyama.
Steel Braces for Kobelco Models SL 16000 and SL 6000G
Since the beginning of the collaboration, Proplate has supplied steel braces for Kobelco's SL 16000 (1250 tons) and SL 6000G (550 tons) models. There are several advantages to using braces instead of wire ropes to secure lattice structures and counterweights. Beyond reduced costs, this approach also eliminates the risk of wire breakage. Additionally, when assembling the crane, connecting boom sections with braces is faster than with wire ropes.
About Kobelco
Kobelco is the brand of Kobe Steel Group. Kobe Steel was founded in 1905 in Kobe, Japan. The company primarily operates in three sectors: steel and iron, aluminum and copper, and machinery manufacturing. With more than 200 subsidiaries worldwide, Kobelco employs over 36,000 people. On April 1, 2016, Kobelco Construction Machinery Co., Ltd. was newly formed through the merger with Kobelco Cranes Co., Ltd. The company excels in two specialized areas: construction machinery and cranes. Kobelco is one of the world's leading manufacturers of crawler cranes.
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