PALFINGER Around the Globe: Welcome to Gdynia, Poland
Where PALFINGER turns engineering know-how into high-quality lifting solutions for customers around the world.
In an interconnected world, the strength of a leading technology and mechanical engineering company such as PALFINGER is not only defined by its portfolio of exceptional solutions, but also by its sprawling network of international production facilities. These locations are more than mere dots on a map – they are veins running with innovation and quality. Join us on a journey exploring our marine-related production sites to find out how their distinct expertise continually contributes to our long success story.
The first stop on this journey brings us to the vibrant coastal city of Gdynia with a rich history as a Baltic trade hub and emerging hotspot of Polish culture. Here, a stone’s throw away from the port, you will find the PALFINGER MARINE POLAND manufacturing site, home of around 70 dedicated employees with a shared passion for cranes since 2014. We spoke with Plant Manager Tomasz Świątkowski to find out more about the team in Poland.
Welcome to Gdynia
With more than 10 years at PALFINGER MARINE POLAND under his belt, Tomasz is the right person to show us around the facility. “My role encompasses overseeing daily operations, ensuring production efficiency, maintaining quality standards, and managing a dedicated team,” he says. “After 15 years in the marine industry, I can draw from a wealth of experience in production management and a perfect match with the dedicated team.”
At the Gdynia facility, the team specializes in the production of advanced offshore cranes tailored to various clients worldwide. Each year, they deliver up to 30 units with diverse specifications, equipped with innovative systems that reflect PALFINGER’s pioneering expertise in this field. With modern infrastructure, seven high-capacity test stations, and over 3,000 m² of assembly space, the PALFINGER site ensures the highest quality standards and full control over the entire process – from production and testing to final delivery. “Our strength lies in our team of experienced specialists and our strategic location close to the waterfront, enabling complete turnkey deliveries, including loading and transport,” Tomasz describes.
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Ensuring quality with a dedicated team
Tomasz explains how his team can ensure the highest level of quality, creating tailor-made solutions by combining innovation, precision, and commitment: “It comes down to a few key practices. First, dedicated professionals. High quality materials sourced from reputable suppliers also play a big role in our success. Furthermore, we prioritize regular and continuous training of our staff to ensure they stay updated with the latest technologies and quality standards. Finally, as an ISO 9001 certified facility, we are sure to comply with stringent industry regulations and standards.”
“Adapting to specific client requests that require the use of unique materials or customized designs means extensive testing and adjustments to ensure the final product meets our strict quality criteria,” Tomasz explains, and is quick to praise his team. “Our highly educated, trained, and experienced commissioning team is known for achieving the impossible with offshore cranes, working closely with our dedicated quality team to deliver exceptional results.” Every product undergoes rigorous testing at the Gdynia in-house facilities, including load and functional tests, safety as well as mechanical completion checks, ensuring compliance with internal standards, industry regulations, and client requirements.
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Success in the face of a challenge
When asked to share some particularly challenging or unique projects, Tomasz recalls one in particular: “We once undertook a project that required us to accelerate the assembly and commissioning timeline of a crane by approximately six months compared to the contractual delivery date. This crane needed an extended reach and enhanced load capacity, designed to operate in extremely harsh marine environments, including an explosive risk zone.” The answer to success when facing such challenges? “Innovative engineering solutions, meticulous planning and truly close collaboration,” he emphasizes.
In addition, the Gdynia team has successfully completed Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT) for a full set of tailor-made fully electric cranes for a Norwegian client. This includes the first-ever jib crane (DKJ), the first-ever wall running crane (TKJ), as well as the continued success of PALFINGER’s new modular lattice boom crane – a true gamechanger in the offshore industry. “The completion of assembly of the first jib cranes marks a significant milestone and one of our greatest achievements, as reflected in the high ratings from our customer. We are proud to be part of this new chapter, with our cranes soon becoming the first to operate on unmanned platforms,” Tomasz highlights. PALFINGER is setting new standards in design and performance here while pioneering new directions for the industry.
We hope you enjoyed the first part of our journey taking us to PALFINGER MARINE production sites around the globe. Keep an eye open to see where our trip takes us next!