DRIVING FORWARD As Volvo Construction Equipment celebrates its 180th anniversary, Abigail Saltmarsh learns more about its ongoing success.
Tomas Kuta, president of the company’s EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) sales region
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olvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE) may have a long history but, says Tomas Kuta, president of the company’s EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) sales region, its continued success is down to its determination to keep moving forward. The company, which is known for its innovative, reliable and highly productive machinery, expects to see high levels of continued growth as it responds to the demands of global markets for ever more efficient equipment and higher levels of customer support. Mr Tomas says, “We now have a full range of construction equipment suitable for customers from civil and road construction through to light mining, quarrying, recycling,
utility works, pipelaying (oil, gas and water) and the forestry industry.” He continues, “We feel we are now in a very good position to make the most of the growth in the markets and that, while we will be looking at a future where we continue to focus on sustainability and technology, we will also move forward with an increasing emphasis on customer support.”
Rolling on Part of the global Volvo Group, Volvo CE has its beginnings in a small engineering workshop opened in Eskilstuna, Sweden, in 1832, by Johan Theofron Munktell. The company initially specialised in printing presses and tool
machinery, such as lathes, drills and grinding machines, but in 1906 it produced its first construction machine: a steamroller. Over the years, the operation has grown. Since the mid 20th century, it has seen major acquisitions and mergers, generating two entirely new market segments. In 1954, it launched one of the industry’s first wheel-loaders. With its pioneering parallel lift arm system and quick coupling attachment bracket, the game-changing machine made heavier loads and higher breakout forces possible. And in 1966, after customers demanded an all-terrain hauler that could negotiate difficult conditions, Volvo gave them the world’s first series-manufactured articulated hauler.
