Hiab (www.hiab.com) (part of Cargotec) is about to open a new factory and ‘competence centre’ at Meppel in the Netherlands; this will offer FrameWorks sub-frames, truck bodies and complete vehicle solutions for Hiab’s European customer base.

Hiab director Marcel Boxem said: “In 2016, we introduced Hiab FrameWorks, a modular system that gives the customer a pre-manufactured, ready-to-install sub-frame that matches the chosen truck.

“When developing the FrameWorks concept, we wanted to pay special attention to the overall quality and safety of installations, reduce the installation time and have the products ready for our customers’ use more quickly.

"At the beginning, this new concept was available for our heavy range of loader cranes, but we have broadened the offering with solutions for the Hiab medium and light range of cranes, as well as options for the Loglift and Jonsered forestry and recycling units — plus Multilift demountables.”

Joakim Andersson, senior vice-president (loader cranes), said: “The new installation centre will allow us to offer quick and reliable complete solutions with the best-possible performance from the equipment.

"The centre will also share expertise in FrameWorks installations with our partners and our own installation shops.”