material flow: How has 2021 gone for KULI Hebezeuge so far?

Dr.-Ing. Oliver Kempkes: " After a weak start to the year due to coronavirus, incoming orders at KULI Hebezeuge - Helmut Kempkes developed very positively in 2021 and short-time working was ended. Numerous interesting projects were realized again. These included several gantry cranes and an increasing number of crane systems with our excellent energy recovery system, such as two cranes with a span of 34 meters. So far, we have been able to compensate for the complicated situation on the supplier market to a large extent thanks to our high level of in-house vertical integration and larger inventories in order to be able to deliver to our customers. The year was also characterized by constant adjustments to the current coronavirus situation. Even though many easing measures have made work easier again, there are still numerous protective measures in place for our employees and business partners. Last year, it was almost grotesque to only be able to communicate with customers in your own city via video conference. We therefore found it very pleasant to finally be able to meet our customers again and see them without wearing a mask. Corona has also had a positive impact on digitalization, for example remote access to our products, and has given us a boost. Due to the high vaccination rate and intensive testing within the company, we were even able to hold a barbecue with our employees in the fall.

mfl: What can materialfluss readers expect on the product or service side in the coming year? What innovations do you want to score points with?

Kempkes: " After the failed trade fairs of the last two years, we are very much looking forward to the coming year. KULI's latest technology can be experienced at LogiMAT in Stuttgart, the industrial trade fair in Hanover and the world's largest construction machinery trade fair bauma in Munich: In the context of the current debate on climate protection, the topic of energy recovery is becoming increasingly important. In addition to saving_CO2 , it is also good for the climate and your wallet. The digitalization of products is also being driven forward and remote access is being expanded. In addition, a new product is being added to the tried-and-tested series of electric wire rope hoists manufactured in-house. The KULI brand will thus be present with highlights and innovations in its 100th anniversary year.

The article appeared in materialfluss 11-12/21.