Our View on the Market

Companies in the crane and lifting equipment industry are largely medium-sized and family-owned. Against this backdrop, the increasing internationalization of competition and the high level of M&A activity in the market – particularly internationally – have a significant impact. This trend points to rising consolidation pressure, driven in part by larger players such as Columbus McKinnon, Konecranes, or Piab, who benefit from easier access to capital. At the same time, ongoing digitalization is reshaping the requirements for mid-sized manufacturers. Smart cranes with IoT integration, data analytics, and remote-control capabilities are driving technological change, with further intensification expected in the areas of automation and occupational safety. A strategic approach for medium-sized companies is to expand their value creation horizontally or vertically and differentiate themselves through quality, local service, or a specialized niche position.