Springfield, OH (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) - Konecranes Machine Tool Service has extensive experience integrating numerous makes and models of CNC and PLC controls to a variety of complex and conventional machines; including but not limited to: gantry mills, horizontal boring mills, vertical boring mills, machining centers, grinders, turning centers and specialty machines.

In today's competitive marketplace, manufacturers are challenged to produce more precise parts in a timely manner and at an affordable rate. Many manufacturing companies are leveraging their competitive advantage via CNC controls, servo motors and drives retrofit from their existing machinery. When properly engineered, a new CNC control retrofit can increase productivity significantly, reduce the cost of energy and improve "mean time between-failure" rates. The Machine Tool Services group from Konecranes is a recognized leader in the CNC control retrofit business. Konecranes control retrofits allow customers to sustain their competitive edge in the global marketplace.

After inspection, a CNC control retrofit performed by Konecranes may include replacing the existing antiquated control system with a new, state of the art CNC control system. New digital servo motors and drive amplifiers are properly sized to match the machine's capabilities. A new operator's pendant and magnetic panel typically accompanies a complete retrofit. Additionally, all existing wiring is removed from the machine and replaced with new.

Konecranes has assembled some of the most talented and experienced Applications Engineers in North America. The Applications Engineers at Konecranes are experienced and capable of performing control retrofits using a variety of CNC & PLC controls. Konecranes has the experience to work with modern PC based control products.

Many CNC control systems will allow for reuse of some of the existing drives, motors and wiring; thereby, reducing the cost that is typical with a complete retrofit. If a machine is mechanically sound but suffers from control related failures due to age or other performance deficiencies, it may need a "control-only" retrofit. Konecranes will work with the customer to discuss value priced options such as upgrading controls, without the expense of replacing the existing servo motors and drives.

To find out more about Control Retrofits from Konecranes, go to www.mtsunlimited.com or www.konecranesamericas.com.

About Konecranes, Inc.

Konecranes is a world-leading group of Lifting Businesses™, serving a broad range of customers, including manufacturing and process industries, shipyards, ports and terminals. Konecranes provides productivity-enhancing lifting solutions as well as services for lifting equipment and machine tools of all makes.

In 2010, Group sales totalled EUR 1,546 million. The Group has 10,000 employees at 578 locations in 46 countries. Konecranes is listed on the NASDAQ OMX Helsinki (symbol: KCR1V).