A Strong Partnership Delivering Digital Lifting Capability to Hitachi Energy in Ludvika

Konecranes and Åkerströms are supplying 24 overhead cranes equipped with radio control systems and digital safety technology to one of Sweden’s most important industrial facilities.

Hitachi Energy’s facility in Ludvika is a key hub in the global power industry, where precision, safety, and reliability are non-negotiable. When Hitachi Energy decided to expand its transformer manufacturing operations with a new 20,000 m² production facility as part of the Northern Light project, it turned to a proven partnership: Konecranes as the crane specialist and Åkerströms as the supplier of radio control systems. Together, they are delivering a solution that meets the industry’s highest demands for safety, traceability, and digital control.

Konecranes: Precision and contamination control in Every Lift
In September 2025, an order was placed for a total of 24 overhead cranes, which will be delivered and installed in phases through January 2027. The delivery includes Konecranes S-series and CXT cranes designed to support the handling of transformer components and materials throughout the production process. The cranes are being installed in Hitachi Energy’s new production facility and are equipped with variable frequency drives for smooth acceleration and deceleration, precision controls for accurate positioning, and control systems tailored to the site’s specific operational requirements.

“The synthetic rope used in the Konecranes S-series is particularly well suited for transformer manufacturing, as it eliminates the risk of metal particles and oil contamination. In addition, all cranes are equipped with falling-object protection, which is essential for maintaining the clean environment required while providing the precise control needed to handle sensitive components,” says Joakim Dahlbacka, Sales Engineer Industrial Equipment at Konecranes.

Åkerströms: A Trusted Choice and a Step Forward in Digitalization
With more than 100 years of experience in industrial solutions and over 60 years of expertise in radio control technology, Åkerströms is a well-established name at Hitachi Energy in Ludvika. The relationship dates back to the facility’s ASEA era and has continued through every transformation since, from ABB to Hitachi Energy. Throughout these decades, Åkerströms has supplied radio control solutions to the site, and this latest order further reinforces that longstanding trust.

All 24 Konecranes cranes will be operated using Åkerströms radio control systems. An important factor in Hitachi Energy’s decision was that the systems were prepared for integration with Åkerströms’ digital service, Access_Ctrl. The service will initially be implemented on six cranes, while all systems are prepared for future connectivity.

By adding a digital layer of control on top of proven radio control hardware, Access_Ctrl enables:

Access Management – Only trained and authorized personnel with valid operator credentials can activate the radio control system and operate the cranes through RFID-based access control.

Event Logging and Traceability – All operator actions and system events are automatically recorded, providing improved follow-up, accountability, and more cost-effective planning.

Integrated Daily Inspections – Operators can perform daily inspections and safety checks directly through the transmitter, with digital confirmation and automatic documentation.

Operational Data for Condition-Based Maintenance – Usage data is collected and analyzed to schedule crane servicing based on actual operating conditions, helping reduce unplanned downtime and lowering maintenance costs over time.

Access_Ctrl can be deployed both in new installations and in existing systems through a minor upgrade, providing a flexible way for industrial facilities to enhance safety and operational control without replacing their entire radio control infrastructure.

“Hitachi Energy in Ludvika is a customer we have had the privilege of working with for many years. It is a relationship built on trust and high expectations, something we never take for granted. The fact that they specifically requested Access_Ctrl as part of this delivery shows that digitalized safety solutions address a real operational need. Equally rewarding is the opportunity to deliver this together with Konecranes, whose crane technology complements our radio control systems exceptionally well,” says Hanna Landell, CEO of Åkerströms.

The Partnership: More Than the Sum of Its Parts
The Hitachi Energy project in Ludvika is far from the first joint chapter for Konecranes and Åkerströms. The two companies have worked together for decades, developing a partnership characterized by mutual trust, technical alignment, and geographical proximity. It is a collaboration that delivers value both in day-to-day operations and in complex industrial projects.

The Ludvika project clearly demonstrates how this partnership creates value beyond the individual products. Konecranes and Åkerströms complement one another naturally: Konecranes with market-leading crane solutions and deep process expertise, and Åkerströms with proven radio control technology and innovative digital services designed to meet the demands of tomorrow’s industry.

The project also reflects a broader trend across the manufacturing sector: investments in modern material handling solutions that combine productivity, safety, and advanced technologies to create more efficient operations. For facilities of Hitachi Energy’s scale, robust equipment alone is no longer sufficient. Customers increasingly demand complete traceability, controlled access, and data-driven foundations for proactive maintenance. That is exactly what the combination of Konecranes’ advanced crane technology and Åkerströms’ radio control systems with Access_Ctrl delivers.

“Konecranes offers the most advanced cranes on the market, and for us a data-driven approach is second nature. By transforming operational data into actionable insights, we help our customers make informed decisions and maximize the lifecycle value of their investments. Together with Åkerströms and Hitachi Energy, we are driving innovation forward in our respective industries. Our shared commitment to innovation and customer value makes us natural partners,” says Magnus Höglund, Vice President, ISE EMEA North and Managing Director of Konecranes Sweden.

For Konecranes and Åkerströms, the Hitachi Energy project represents more than a successful business transaction. It is further proof that long-term partnerships, technical expertise, and the ability to meet evolving industry requirements are the foundation for world-class industrial solutions.

This article was published in Swedish Branschaktuellt No. 4, 2026. Link to article

Photo: Hitachi Energy

Photo: Konecranes