One very large test bench

There are many advantages of being part of the huge organisation that is Axel Johnson – one of Europe’s leading suppliers of lifting and lashing equipment – but a particular bonus is the ability to access the facilities of other members of the group.

It was therefore with great excitement that we learnt about a new test bench that has been installed in the Port of Esbjerg by our Danish counterpart Peter Harbo A/S. With the capacity to test lifting equipment of up to 1200 tonnes (pulling force) and dimensions up to 15 metres, it is easily one of the largest facilities of its kind in Northern Europe.

This is particularly good news for us because there is currently an increasing demand for heavier and bigger constructions, which in turn require correspondingly larger lifting devices – all needing accurate testing. Previously, larger pieces of equipment had to be out-sourced for testing so being able to carry out this process ‘in-house’ will ultimately be more cost-effective and time-saving for our customers.

The new facility should have widespread applications in the offshore, wind power, shipping, marine and construction industries and will be able to test all sorts of equipment including: steel wire rope; chain; chain accessories; hooks and rings; crane hooks and blocks; fibre ropes; mooring lines; hawsers; single bouy moorings; as well as lifting beams, brackets and triangles.

As is to be expected, equipment of this size does not come cheap and this facility has cost around 5million DKK. That this sort of investment has been possible at a time when companies in general are holding back on expenditure is undoubtedly down to the size and influence of our parent company.

Having access to shared equipment and facilities like this should hopefully enable us to provide better services for our existing customers as well as reach out to new ones.