INTERVIEW Ӏ CHRISTOPH KLEINER, LIEBHERR
Is Liebherr leveraging AI,
IoT, or automation for smarter machinery or in manufacturing? We have been working on the topic of the digital factory for months. There is already a digital twin of every crane as soon as assembly of the crane begins. This helps with many process steps. We are also already using
AI and automation solutions in numerous areas. In welding, in hose and pipe production, or in the sorting and provisioning process. We will be showing numerous examples of this during the factory tours in Ehingen during Bauma.
Are there any government initiatives or infrastructure projects that Liebherr can or does benefit from? Compared to the heavily state- subsidised products from China, where political will is paired with strong financing, no such support is currently available in Europe. There are individual support
programmes, for example, for the sustainable conversion of production facilities or the training of skilled workers. But nowhere near to the extent that is happening in China and from China, which in some cases distorts the market.
THREATS How is Liebherr handling competition from Chinese companies? There is no single solution at this point. Depending on the country, depending on the product, depending on the type, we work with different strategies. One thing is clear: there is
new movement in the market, sometimes with unfair, state- supported means. Here it is important to put together suitable, convincing packages for our customers in line with the Liebherr package. We work on this with our team every day, worldwide.
32 CRANES TODAY
Do you think international trade laws or restrictions should be brought into effect to help protect manufacturers from unfair trade practices? We are and have always been friends of open, fair competition. This ensures innovation, development and progress. But if this competition becomes
unfair, it becomes difficult. If we look at Chinese products that are filled to the brim with European components and then sold at heavily subsidised prices, this is no longer fair competition. We are currently experiencing
this in numerous industries and sectors, and it is clearly up to politicians to act. A functioning market economy is the backbone of our prosperity and an important component of our free democracies. Politicians must create and adapt the appropriate regulations for this.
What effect do you think President Trump's increased steel and aluminium tariffs will have on business? The major western crane manufacturers all produce in Europe. Tadano, Grove, Sennebogen, Liebherr. We are often equally affected here – as are our customers. Among partners with fair means, tariffs are not the best solution.
How can Liebherr protect itself from global economic downturns or recessions? Over many years, we have found that the Liebherr Group can weather times of crisis very well thanks to its diversification and global positioning. There are always fluctuations, sometimes in markets, sometimes in industries. Our broad product range and global footprint are precisely the points that help us here.
Are environmental regulations impacting manufacturing? Basically, stricter environmental regulations are cost drivers. But at the same time, they often drive innovation and development. And we have all recognised that we have to do something for the sustainable development of our environment. That is why we are not only
investing money in the sustainable development of our products, but also in the development and decarbonisation of our sites.
Is Liebherr at risk of supply chain disruptions? Our supply chain is very regional in many areas. That is why we have come through the last few crises well, and we will continue to build on this in the future.
How long is the expected lifetime of a new crane before technology overtakes it and the purchaser wants the latest features? Is a five-year-old crane now outdated for a contractor who wants to be competitive? We build top-quality cranes that retain their value for a long time. This value retention aspect is an important argument for buying a Liebherr crane. A crane is often operated for
over 30 years, albeit in different countries and by different owners. This is where our concept of used crane trading, which we also offer, comes into play. We are happy to trade in a
young used crane for a new one, which we then sell on into the second phase of its life. In this way, technology-oriented
customers can always have the latest equipment in their fleet, while customers who are more interested in value retention and have smaller budgets can still purchase reliable, well-maintained and durable Liebherr cranes.
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87
