Extract from Container Management March 2011

"We focussed on developing a number of new improvements in material selections and manufacturing technologies.  These have resulted in low tare weight units with high operating flexibility, without having to sacrifice strength or durability"
- Greg Muirsmeath, engineering manager, STEELBRO

Despite the challenges facing the industry in recent years, STEELBRO has enjoyed worldwide growth, according to Steve James, general manager of global sales.

James is confident about recent developments at the company and for the year ahead, "We have seen a 40% increase in sales in the last 18 months and continue to see sales growth," he told CM.

During the quieter times of the economic downturn, the New Zealand-based business concentrated on a positive R&D drive, with greater effort in supporting the needs of some of its customers in specialist areas of the transport industry.

STEELBRO’s engineering manager, Greg Muirsmeath explained, "We focused on developing a number of new improvements in material selections and manufacturing technologies. These have resulted in low tare weight units with high operating flexibility, without having to sacrifice strength or durability".

"As a result the carrying capacity versus chassis tare weight has been improved, enhancing the lift-and-carry carry capacities in our latest models," he added.

"The company has worked closely with strategic supply partners to choose low tare weight components, integrated printed circuit board controls, high pressure hydraulics and superior paint systems," said Muirsmeath.

The new SB362 'Lightweight' unit is a good example of this, having a 36-tonne lift capacity with a tare weight of under 9 tonnes when fitted with powerpack (subject to specification). The unit also has an outreach of over four metres.

STEELBRO has also introduced the new SB450, which will comfortably load and unload 45-tonne containers within the Sidelifters safe working envelope.