Cargotec launches cost savings programme

Cargotec is launching a programme designed to achieve annual cost savings of around €25 million (US$ 27 million).

Its objective is to adapt to the prevailing market situation, the company said. A further aim is to ensure long-term competitiveness on global markets and to continue the improvement of operational efficiency.

At MacGregor, a division of Cargotec, its marine crane market situation is challenging. “In the offshore industry, the low price of oil keeps investments at an unprecedentedly low level, which affects the demand for offshore load handling solutions.

"The demand for service has declined as parts from decommissioned ships are increasingly being used as spare parts. There is overcapacity on global merchant ship markets, and orders for new vessels are at an exceptionally low level, which decreases the demand for MacGregor's products and solutions.”

Cost savings will be sought through the planned restructuring of operations and potentially with personnel reductions. It is estimated that the measures affect especially the operations in Norway, China, Sweden, Finland and Singapore.

The planned savings measures are estimated to result in restructuring costs in the final quarter of 2016 and in 2017.

Michel van Roozendaal, MacGregor president, said, “Even in this challenging market situation, MacGregor is the leading and the strongest player in the maritime cargo flow, mooring and load handling markets. As a result of these difficult but necessary actions, MacGregor will become more agile. We have strong competence to help our customers operate more efficiently.”

MacGregor employed 2,355 people globally at the end of September 2016.