Heavydrive began its success story with a simple yet brilliant idea. Today, 20 years later, the Bavarian transport and lifting specialist is a world leader in the glass installation sector.
From a three-man operation to global market leader
Heavydrive’s success story started in February 2006 in Pfreimd, located in the Upper Palatinate region. Günter Übelacker, Managing Director of Heavydrive, a mechanical engineer, came up with the idea of developing lightweight yet robust equipment for transporting glass elements, which led to the HDL product range.
From then on, Heavydrive’s range of equipment grew steadily, expanding to include various mini-cranes, vacuum suction systems, counterweight beams, glass robots, chain hoists and assembly lifts. The company specialises in solutions for complex installations involving extremely large, heavy and specially shaped or coated panes.
From the very beginning, the focus has been on sustainability and the development of environmentally friendly systems. For this reason, most Heavydrive equipment is battery-powered and produces no emissions. This also makes it suitable for indoor use.
Not only the product range, but also the range of services has been continuously expanded.
To optimise communication with customers, digitalisation has been actively promoted in recent years. In 2017, Heavydrive launched its own app, which is now available in English, French and Spanish. This enables users to connect with Heavydrive experts via video chat and customers can easily select the right system online using the equipment finder.
Projects around the world
The tailored installation and transport solutions for every construction site scenario attracted significant international interest. Just a year after being founded, Heavydrive was involved in the façade glazing project in the City of London. Shortly afterwards, the company handled the transport of an artwork to the Guggenheim Museum in New York.
This was followed by glazing and installation work on numerous prestigious construction projects.
Demand for Heavydrive’s tailored solutions for the complex installation of extremely large, heavy, or unusually shaped glass elements has always been, and continues to be, exceptionally high. As an example, the company installed a façade element measuring 15 metres in length, 3.2 metres in height and weighing 5.2 tonnes in Rovinj, Croatia. In order to install the glass pane on the waterfront at a height of 19 metres, it was transported across the building to the installation opening.
