AC Hydraulic A/S is a family-owned company situated in Viborg, Denmark. The company was established in 1958 by master smith Anker Christensen (AC). Shortly after launching his handicraft and repair shop, Anker Christensen was inspired to design and develop high quality lorry and workshop cranes. His original concept became the base of production, and the AC crane was soon known in all of Denmark for its high quality.
Development of a wide range of lifting equipment soon took place, and with the extended product range the company was ready to move into export.
Today, AC Hydraulic A/S is a medium-sized, financially sound company exporting more than 80% of its production. The company is managed by the 3rd generation, sole owners, Søren and Claus Anker Christensen, as part of AC Group A/S.
Interview with Jesper Vestergaard, Export Manager at AC Hydraulic A/S.
Easy Engineering: What are the main areas of activity of the company?
Jesper Vestergaard: Besides catering to both the light duty (passenger cars) and heavy duty (trucks and busses) segment of the automotive industry, the products of AC Hydraulic are also used within agriculture, and niches such as aviation and mining.
With a wide range of products, we can help with any lifting job in the range between 300 kilos and 150 tones.
E.E: What’s the news for 2021 about new products?
J.V: We are expecting to be able to present editions to our already wide program within jacking beams, presses and lifts.
E.E: What are the ranges of products?
J.V: In most workshops all over Europe, you can find an AC product. The range also sold world-wide covers. We deliver for the: automotive, agriculture, aviation and mining industry.
- Air hydraulic jacks, ranging from 10-150 tones;
- Jacking Beams, ranging from 2-30 tones;
- Heavy duty inground lift, ranging from 30-120 tones;
- Light Duty Inground Lift, 3,5 tones to 5,5, tones;
- Pit jacks, 10-20 tones;
- Wheel trolley – 0.5 tones to 1 ton;
- Cranes, ranging from 0.5 to 2.5 tones;
- Transmission jacks, 0.3-1.2 tones;
- Presses, 20-100 tones;
- Hydraulic jacks, 1,3 tones to 12 tones.
All products are supported by the industry leading warranty – 3 years on hydraulic units and 10 years on steel structures. AC Hydraulic are known for it’s long warranty, and we can guarantee delivery of spare parts 15 years after production of an item has stopped.
E.E: At what stage is the market where you are currently active?
J.V: Currently, we are focusing on the Scandinavian, German, French, UK, US, Canadian market. Besides this, our products are distributed in 50 countries, by our dedicated partners.
Raising sourcing prices and production and delivery shortages in some areas of the business due to the corona situation has also helped us gain new and attracting partners around the world.
Markets
AC Hydraulic A/S is market leader within most of its product areas.
Our distribution network consists of carefully chosen dealers and partners, all of them dedicated as well as highly professional.
In Romania, our products are distributed via our partners. ELIT Romania S.R.L, Premium Tools, SMI Global Tools S.R.L.
E.E: What can you tell us about market trends?
J.V: Safety, ergonomics and work posture surrounding the operation of our products are in focus. Efficiency is also a key feature, and will save time and money operating our products for our customers.
Design is also a feature, and we are experiencing the interest in matching the products with the interior in the workshops. This means that besides the well-known blue AC products, our customers can also choose between a range of colors matching their workshop.
Lifting the vehicles of the future requires a broader range due to the batteries. The lifting equipment, we will have to adapt to the batteries in the electronic cars. Something we, of course are taking into account in our product development.
Our success is due to the requirement for quality products, with a long lifetime, reliability, and efficiency.
E.E: What are the most innovative products marketed?
J.V: Vehicles are becoming more and more compact, creating new challenges for professionals. Our products provide the flexibility to e.g. lift many different components and vehicles.
All columns are moveable, which allows for flexibility. It withstands up to 7 tons of pressure.
The wheel trolley WT1500NT is a unique trolley for handling of large wheels. It provides tire handling by one person only, allowing to fit the tire perfectly by ergonomically correct and effortless operation.
Air hydraulic jack, 100mm and can access very low vehicles, busses and trucks.
E.E: What estimations do you have for 2021?
J.V: We have a very positive outlook on our current situation.
We are building a high bay warehouse and a technology center to cater to the rise in demand. The new buildings at our facility in Viborg, Denmark will total 2,300 square meters and are expected to be ready in September 2021.
We are experiencing more focus on quality products, e.g. from the Eastern European countries.
We have continued to keep our production running throughout the last year of the corona virus, and this has also led to new customers around the world.
