New production record
The market for mobile and crawler cranes continued growing in 2022. The reasons included major infrastructure projects and the expansion of renewable energies. Despite slight disruptions in the supply chain, Liebherr hit a new production record thanks to the increased demand. Never have so many mobile and crawler cranes been produced as in the fiscal year.
In terms of turnover by region, growth was particularly evident in North America and in the Africa, Near and Middle East region. The USA, Canada, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates were key drivers in these respective regions. Despite encouraging growth in Australia, turnover in the overall Asia and Oceania region declined slightly. The core market EU remained relatively stable at the previous yearʼs level. In the non-EU countries, positive business, such as in the United Kingdom or Turkey, was not sufficient to offset the decline in Russia. Meanwhile, Central and South America saw a slight increase in turnover in this product segment.
In 2022, Liebherr paved the way for a new generation of mobile cranes designed for the digital applications of the future.
Low-emission cranes and game-changing technology for future energy
Liebherr launched several energy-efficient solutions in 2022 in response to the rising demand for low-emission products. Crawler cranes LR 1130.1 unplugged and LR 1160.1 unplugged are battery powered on construction sites, making them emission-free and very quiet, without compromising on performance. Similarly, the LTC 1050-3.1E hybrid compact crane is electrically powered during operation. The LR 12500-1.0, which was launched in April, is a real game changer. With a lifting capacity of 2,500 t, this mega crane is designed for loading heavy goods like offshore wind power components in ports and for industrial applications. Another innovation is the LR 1100.1. It can be deployed rapidly using the tried-and-tested self-assembly system and is equipped with the latest assistance system, Gradient Travel Aid, which optimises safety when driving on inclines.
The LTM 1100-5.3 all-terrain crane was presented at Bauma 2022 in Munich (Germany). As it is only 2.55 m wide with axle loads of 9 t, it can be driven on roads worldwide without having to go through lengthy driving approval processes. It is also equipped with the new LICCON3 crane control system. The LRT 1130-2.1 was also presented at Bauma, expanding the range of rough-terrain cranes upwards and setting new benchmarks for cost-effective transport and safety in this size class. Many customers at Bauma were able to access the online content on training, operational planning and crane operations through the many new applications on the MyLiebherr customer portal. MyLiebherr makes day-to-day operations easier for crane operators and facilitates more efficient and cost-effective crane operation.
In the business year, Liebherr pressed ahead with the development of its logistics plant in Ehingen (Germany) and invested heavily in the restructuring of material flows. The newly opened repair centre in Ehingen-Berg now offers an expanded range of services for customers from its roughly 75,000 m2 premises, and boasts even greater capacity.
Order volumes are currently high and Liebherr expects a slight increase in turnover for 2023 in the mobile and crawler cranes product segment.
Mobile and crawler cranes
In the mobile and crawler cranes product segment, Liebherr recorded a turnover of € 3,009 million in the 2022 fiscal year. This represents a € 132 million or 4.6 % increase compared with the year before.
Turnover in € m from 2,877 | + 4.6% |
|---|---|
Investments in € m from 77 | + 20.8% |
Employees from 5,769 | + 6.6% |
Turnover by sales regions
- 43.1%European Union
- 9.9%Non-EU countries
- 25.7%North America
- 2.6%Central and South America
- 13.0%Asia and Oceania
- 5.7%Africa, Near and Middle East