AN EXCITING ANNIVERSARY YEAR
40 YEARS
IS SIGNIFICANT IN ITSELF
, but what is truly substantial is what we have accomplished during this time. That we have evolved into a world-leading supplier is a testament to the close collaboration with our customers and their end-users. Forty years have by no means left us satiated; we are eager to continue leading the development of positioners and related system solutions.
Our products are characterized by maximum quality and utmost safety for the user, stemming from a production process that prioritizes sustainable development.
As a step towards growing engagement with our customers, we are strengthening our organization by appointing an Area Sales Manager for Denmark and Norway. Get to know Michael Barslund in this issue of Position!
This jubilee year marked our debut as independent exhibitors at LogiMAT, Europe’s largest trade show in material handling. We received fantastic feedback from both customers and distributors, and during LogiMAT, we launched our partnership with OilQuick®, where the OQT system became a major attraction in our booth.
One of the keys to Hagaberg’s success is our willingness to embrace challenges. A memorable example and a particularly exciting challenge arose when we were approached by a large foundry to deliver rotator positioners with sideshift for a very specific application. After many hours of design and testing, we achieved a successful solution that effectively fulfills the task at hand.
Enjoy this issue of Position, and we truly hope you continue to challenge us for the next 40 years!
Magnus Larsson, CEO
SUMMER SCHEDULE
Production will be closed for vacation and maintenance from July 8th to August 5th (weeks 28 – 31). Spare parts will be shipped on Thursdays during these weeks.
Customer Service
Open Monday to Thursday 09:00 – 15:00 (lunch 12-13) Closed on Fridays
In 2024, Hagaberg is supporting the Swedish Childhood Cancer Fund for long-term research in the fight against childhood cancer. We also support WWF Sweden in their mission to preserve our planet’s nature and ecological diversity.
Production: Roxx Communication Group, www.roxx.se.
Publischer: Stefan Carlsson Pautt. Project leader: Michael Lindgren. Graphic design: Niklas Wrångberg. Print: Åtta 45, 2024.
It’s been several rounds of anniversaries since Krister Grankvist founded Hagabergs Mekaniska back home on the family grounds. Thank you, Krister, for the visit and this interview, marking 40 years since the start!
KRISTER GRANKVIST FOUNDER & PREVIOUS OWNER
There have been quite a few anniversaries now! Yes, and it doesn’t feel like long ago since the 20th anniversary. Back then, we had orchestras playing live music from after lunch until the early morning hours. So, it was a real celebration!
What was the starting point for the company?
In the early 80s, I had a stake in a company where we made tailgate lifts for trucks, but the idea of starting my own business was growing. I started at home but grew out of the space pretty soon! A milling machine came in, then a lathe, and soon, the business became a limited company mechanical workshop, and we had moved to larger premises.
What kind of work was carried out, and how did fork positioners become the core product?
We were subcontractors for both large and small engineering companies, often dealing with components and customizations for forklift trucks. Machining has always been the main function in our workshop, and our attitude was always to take on any kind of challenge. We started with fork positioners upon request, and that’s how it grew.
How did the construction stand out back then?
Both hoses and forks used to hang and sit more loosely in the past. So, from the beginning, we were about visibility and sturdy constructions at Hagaberg. Instead of hoses hanging in the way of visibility, we ran the hydraulics through pipes hidden by the frames. Our design prevented loose forks and enabled the positioners to handle smooth side shifting and even clamping functions.
How do you view the company’s growth, especially with Hagaberg celebrating its 40th anniversary?
Just looking around myself here (HQ in Askersund) is great. Incredibly happy that the company has not only endured but also done so well over the years. The family thinks it’s very nice. Many companies from the area that we had collaborations with are still around today and doing great, that as well is so nice to see!
OQT
CHANGE BETWEEN ATTACHMENTS FROM INSIDE THE CAB
OilQuick® is an advanced quick coupler system for forklift trucks and can be supplied in various models for machines from 1 to 9 tons. The operator can change between various hydraulic and mechanical attachments within a few seconds, such as fork positioners, paper roll clamps, rotators, etc. With OQT you will therefore always have the right attachment for the job ready and eliminate the risk of personal injuries related to manual changes.
OILQUICK® AND HAGABERG IN PARTNERSHIP
At the beginning of 2024, OilQuick® and Hagaberg announced their strategic partnership regarding the OQT Automatic Quick Coupler System. The collaboration includes Hagaberg taking charge of manufacturing and marketing OQT throughout Europe. OQT is a unique system solution of quick couplers and positioners that enhance safety, flexibility, and profitability for companies with various types of lifting operations. The OQT system has garnered significant interest, and we eagerly
anticipate releasing the products into the market.
OilQuick®’s history is characterized by innovation, high quality, and customer focus. They are a modern industrial company from northern Sweden, engaged in development, manufacturing, and sales. The company is world leading in fully automatic attachment coupler systems for excavators, wheel loaders, forklift trucks, material handling machines and cranes, operating in all markets worldwide. •
ROTATOR WITH SIDESHIFT LOGIMAT 2024
A rotating positioner with side shift has been delivered to a foundry with the need to efficiently remove slag materials that float to the surface in the pouring ladles. To facilitate the process of removing slag from the molten metal, the ability to tilt the pouring ladles is required. A rotation stop at 65° in each direction enables optimal tilting for the application, simultaneously preventing over-rotation and reducing the risk of potential spills.
The product is a result of Hagaberg’s collaboration with Cebriá, where, after extensive joint design work and testing, we have developed a custom-made rotator that handles its load elegantly and steadily without jerky movements. The rotator is equipped with arms to handle the pouring ladles and splash/heat protection to shield sensitive components from potential contact with the molten metal.
One of the major challenges was the significant offset of the center of gravity from the rotation center, as well as integrating the rotator with a side-shifting unit as compact and lightweight as possible. Limited maneuvering space required a compact truck, in this case, a 5-ton / LC 600 mm model. The positioner needed to be designed as light and small as possible while still meeting the requirements for load capacity. The end user is highly satisfied with the result and, after several months of use, has decided to order an increased number of trucks with the same type of positioner. •
CAPACITY: 5500Kg / LC 600mm
ROTATION: stop at 65° both ways
SIDESHIFTING: +/- 100mm
Hagaberg exhibited at LogiMAT in Stuttgart, Germany – Europe’s largest trade fair for logistics and material handling. The three-day event offered numerous engaging and promising encounters with existing and prospective partners.
In our booth, OQT took center stage. Visitors were greeted with an exhibition showcasing innovative solutions and had the opportunity to take a close look at the OQT solution along with an appliance clamp from our collaboration with Cebriá, and Hagaberg’s range of hydraulic fork positioners. •
HAGABERG WELCOMES MICHAEL BARSLUND, AREA SALES MANAGER DENMARK/NORWAY
Hagaberg strengthens its presence in Denmark and Norway and proudly presents the recruitment of Michael Barslund. With an inspiring technical interest and a background in technical sales, he takes on the role of Area Sales Manager.
Michael Barslund has extensive experience in sales of forklift trucks, and hydraulic and mechanical components. Mechanical knowledge, technical interest, and a teaching role led to sales where he found his passion for understanding technical details and building strong business relationships.
“The market in Denmark and Norway has great potential for Hagaberg to expand within. I see a strong presence in the Swedish market, and I believe in establishing the same foothold here. That’s the vision.” – Michael Barslund, Regional Manager.
He believes in the company’s vision to further strengthen its presence in the Nordic countries and is ready for the growth journey. He emphasizes Hagaberg’s priority of the highest quality and functionality in its fork positioners as one of the main reasons he sees the strong potential. He also points out the value of the personal atmosphere and strong internal relationships within the company! “This is particularly valuable for me as I often work remotely from HQ. Having a close connection to the team,” he says. •
