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Hydraulic Tower Cranes

The tower crane sector, similar to other sectors in the construction industry, is ever evolving and the new types and models of tower cranes are quickly entering the market. Demand, terrain conditions, cost-to-value propositions, time saving factor are just some of the reasons as to why new models of tower cranes are being introduced. One of the latest of these models is the hydraulic tower cranes that is shifting heads in the industry.

What is a hydraulic tower crane?

According to TNT Crane & Rigging website, a hydraulic crane is a type of heavy-duty equipment used for lifting and hoisting. Unlike smaller cranes, which rely on electric or diesel-powered motors, hydraulic cranes include an internal hydraulic system that allows the crane to lift heavier loads. This fluid-filled hydraulic system enables the crane to transport objects such as heavy shipping containers and tractor trailers, which are well beyond the size and scope of any other lifting device. Hydraulic tower cranes are known for their power and increase in capacity of lifting objects.

Hydraulic cranes can have enclosed operators’ stations or cabs placed on a steel base. While other cranes are generally stationary, hydraulic cranes can be mounted on top of chassis on wheels or rollers.

From the cab, the operator controls a large arm known as a boom. Many hydraulic cranes feature a telescoping boom, which allows the operator to reach objects from a greater distance because the boom can extend out beyond the fix length. Cables, blocks and hooks attached to the boom can be used to safely hoist or lift different equipment.

The crane’s engine powers a hydraulic pump, which applies pressure to an oil or fluid within the hydraulic system. Because oil can’t be compressed, the oil transfers this applied force to other parts of the crane. By redirecting this force where its needed to lift an object, hydraulic systems help increase power and performance. Hydraulic cranes are rated based on their total lifting capacity, which is a factor of both their construction and the strength of the hydraulic system. A 10-ton crane for example, can lift up to 10 tons (9,070 kg). Each hydraulic crane must be chosen carefully based on the demands of a specific project, and lifting a load that’s too heavy will cause the crane to fail.

There are certain risks associated with hydraulic cranes due to their large size and power; all operators should undergo vigorous safety training to reduce the risk of accidents.

Potain MCH 125 – Manitowoc’s first hydraulic luffing jib crane

The new 8 T capacity crane is available in Asia, Africa, Oceania, the Middle East, Russia and Latin America markets. The all-new Potain MCH 125 was launched as the company’s first hydraulic topless luffing jib crane. Having previewed as a prototype at Bauma China 2016 in Shanghai, the first units have since been tested on site with select dealers in Thailand, Australia and New Zealand ahead of the crane’s launch into several international markets. It is the first topless luffing jib model from Potain and its unique hydraulic technology makes it easier to assemble and faster to operate.

With a cutting-edge design and new technology, the crane combines the advantages of Potain’s MCR luffing jib cranes and MCT topless cranes. Contractors will find it particularly straightforward to assemble and disassemble the crane on congested sites, making it an ideal choice for urban projects, city-center work or other job sites where space is limited.

Thibaut Le Besnerais, global product director for tower cranes at Manitowoc, said the new crane reinforces Potain’s reputation for driving innovation and progression in the tower crane industry. “The MCH 125 represents the very latest in tower crane design and is unlike any other crane on the market,” he said. “The positive reception to the prototype at bauma China was followed by a series of highly successful early stage trials with customers in Asia-Pacific. We’re already seeing strong interest in the crane for all kinds of applications”.

Maximum capacity for the MCH 125 is 8 t, while the maximum jib length is 50 m. Tip capacity is 2 t and maximum line speed is 100 m/min when fitted with the 60 LVF 20 hoist. The crane’s unique design offers a number of advantages, including fast erection and dismantling. The topless design means less space is needed on site, as there is no cathead to assemble at ground level before installation.

Uniquely, the crane also uses Potain’s VVH hydraulic luffing technology for vertical movement of the jib, which eliminates the need for luffing wire ropes. With VVH technology, the MCH 125 is able to raise from a horizontal level to 87˚ in less than 2 minutes. The hydraulics are pre-connected at the factory, too, avoiding the need to perform this duty during the crane’s on-site assembly.

The hydraulic luffing design also means the crane has a shorter counter-jib and out-of-service radius when compared with rope-luffing alternatives, freeing up valuable space on congested job sites. Crane operators will enjoy the increased comfort and visibility that comes with the unit’s Vision 140 cab, one of the largest cabs on the market. The entire upper works of the crane, including its full 50 m of jib, can travel on just four trucks. Assembly to a height of 40 m can be achieved in less than 6 hours.

As with all Potain cranes, operation is smooth and quiet; and for better utilization for fleet owners it can be mounted on existing 1.6 m or 2 m mast sections from the manufacturer’s current range. Jib sections are from the MCR range of luffing jib cranes. There are five jib configurations available, ranging from 30 m to 50 m, in 5 m increments.

“We used advanced simulation tools during the development of the MCH 125 to create a machine that will perform to the levels that Potain customers expect,” Le Besnerais explained. “We’re expecting strong interest in this crane among its launch markets.”

The MCH 125 will be sold and supported through the extensive regional Potain dealer networks. The first production deliveries will begin in early 2018, with the crane available for sale throughout Asia, Africa, Oceania, the Middle East, Russia, the CIS countries and Latin America.

Technical information on the MCH 125

Basic information: 

Maximum capacity: 8t/four-fall, 4t/two-fall

Maximum operating hook radius: 50 m

Maximum capacity at 50 m: 2 t

Maximum line speed: 100 m/min

Key Benefits:

The Fastest installation for a luffing jib crane

  • The fastest installation for a luffing jib crane
  • The MCH 125 erects faster and more easily than a luffing crane ever has before
  • Hydraulic system components are connected at the factory for faster and easier erection
  • No luffing wire rope installation needed thanks to the innovative hydraulic system
  • Hoisting winch, maintenance derrick, and the jib wind side plate are also pre-installed
  • Unique wind-sail configuration pre-installed at the factory with no need to adapt onsite for any jib length

Ideal for the most constrained jobsites

  • Jib can be raised up to near vertical position : 87° angle luffing capacity
  • Very short 7 m counter-jib with simple fixed counterweight installation
  • Very short out-of-service weathervaning radius of 13,5 m is ideal for congested job sites
  • Cab can be installed either on the right or the left side of the crane allowing the crane to position close to a building

Most optimized transport vehicle

  • Four containers or four trucks needed for the complete upper assembly : maximum jib + jib foot + counter-jib
  • Compact dimensions of the counter-jib and jib foot also maximize trans-portability and reduce cost

Best return on investment

  • Most adaptable luffing jib crane for congested urban job sites
  • Time saving for erecting and dismantling the crane
  • Optimized transport for easy and cost effective logistics
  • Standard 1,6 m or 2 m L-mast systems for fleet optimization

Verdict on Hydraulic tower cranes

According to Hermann Buchberger, from Active Crane Hire in Sydney, Australia, “the MCH 125 is an electro-hydraulic luffing crane, which means the luffing mechanism is controlled via a hydraulic ram, compared to the traditional luffing hoist winch. We are quite excited because we believe it combines the best of both worlds from an installation perspective from a hammer head crane. Installation can be done, we believe within 6 hours on the job site, compared to the traditional luffing cranes which take up to a day and a half to put together, so there is definitely productivity in that respect. Once the crane is commissioned, ready to go, we have the advantage of the luffing mechanism to work in quite tight spaces, or if there is any restriction of airspace.

The End.

Sources:

 https://www.scimag.news/en/2018/01/24/potain-launches-its-first-hydraulic-topless-luffing-jib-crane/

http://www.tntcrane.ca/what-is-a-hydraulic-crane/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_vEEIIZlOT

wwww.manitowoccranes.com

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The Construction Industry during Ramadan

The holy month of Ramadan is just a few days away and this year, fasting may exceed thirteen hours a day in the UAE.

In the GCC, during the holy month, many consumer brands offer significant promotions and discounts; this is not merely due to creating an incentive for consumers, but rather it stems from acts of good will. This year the month of Ramadan coincides with the beginning of summer and the start of the summer vacations for many of the schools. The question is how does that affect the construction industry and what to expect in Ramadan this year?

What the Rules say

The number of working hours are reduced during Ramadan and there is a mid-day break rule in the UAE as well that makes sure construction firms offer more off-hours for the on-site workers. Indeed, during the three months of summer (June to September), workers have a three hour break typically from 12:30PM to 3PM. Companies must post clear information about work hours for staff while shelters must be provided out of the sun. Any firms found to have staff working during the designated break time would be fined Dh5,000 per worker up to a maximum of Dh50,000. During Ramadan, Muslim workers who are fasting finish their working day by 1pm and return to their accommodation.

As for evening works and according to Abu Dhabi City Municipality, heavy work is not allowed after 7pm but light work could be carried out anytime. According to Abu Dhabi’s Environment Health and Safety Management System, any activity resulting in excess noise that can have an adverse impact on the peace of a neighborhood should be undertaken only between 7am and 8pm on working days, and between 9am and 7pm on weekends and public holidays.

In this report, we are looking into the impact of Ramadan on the construction sector and explore ways on how to capitalize on the firms’ resources during the holy month.

Traveling during Ramadan and its impact on the construction sector

 In the UAE, there are over 200 nationalities currently living in the country and according to a report by AMEinfo “People tend to spend more money on travelling during Ramadan, especially during the last week of fasting where they dramatically spike. The report mentions that nearly 85% purchase their travel tickets online, travel agent or comparison site, and also via the airline app. This factor, even though it may seem to be irrelevant to the construction sector, has a direct impact on the market. Many of the senior management and decision makers in the construction industry travel and it this means lots of new contracts are going to be pushed back.

Productivity in the construction sector during Ramadan

According to a report by Construction Week, “it has become apparent that the level of productivity during the summer and Ramadan periods has been on a steady decline, year after year. So far, I have had only one client who suggested that they would pick up an assignment after Ramadan.This year has witnessed a larger number of companies implementing strategic measures to ensure they are both stronger and leaner to avoid the slowing down of their business”

Therefore, many firms in the construction sector can take advantage of the slowdown in Ramadan to restructure their workforce to maximize efficiency in their current and upcoming projects and further analyze the cost structure of the projects.

Tips for maximizing productivity during Ramadan for construction firms

There are various ways firms can look into making the most from the reduced working hours and the slowdown in the holy month of Ramadan. According to a report by Arabian Business, here are some of the best ways:

  • Prioritize your activities and focus on key points of strength

As mentioned earlier, the working hours are reduced across all industries. “Most construction companies in the Middle East see a drop in field hours, owing to labor policies that prohibit shifts of more than eight hours, both during the day and at night. Then there’s the midday break rule to consider. In the UAE, for example, laborers are not permitted to work in direct sunlight during the hours of 12:30 and 15:00, from mid-June until mid-September.” Effective planning to make sure that contractors can make the most of it this reduced timing is an important factor to ensure to get the most out of the reduced timing; therefore, construction companies need to create a new workflow for maximum outcome.

  • Workforce development

Educating and training of the workforce for any industry is an ongoing process, the challenge that many firms face is the allocation of the right time for these types of activities. Since Ramadan is falling during a very hot time of the year, construction companies can hold courses in shaded and air-conditioned areas for their staff. In addition, and as explained during NFT and Potain’s Safety First Campaign, there are many ways to stay protected from the heat. Laborers should work in the shade as much as possible or at night, drink plenty of water after Iftar, wear lightweight, light colored and loose-fitting clothes and use fans to improve air flow.

  • Focus on corporate social responsibility (CSR programs)

“Productivity is not just about how much progress is achieved on site. Effective corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives have far-reaching ramifications for the community at large, your workforce, and ultimately, your company’s bottom line.” The holy month of Ramadan is a month of giving and during this spiritual month, therefore, there is more incentive for CSR initiatives. The question is how would affect the productivity? CSR initiates are directly correlated to staff morale and happiness at work which in return will have a very positive impact on productivity of a construction firm. Many firms in the UAE host Iftars for their staff and their families which also create a family culture in a firm.

  • Strategy and experimenting

Ramadan and summer months in the GCC are a perfect time to re-evaluate and analyze the current annual strategies and action plans. “Are there any onsite processes that could be tweaked? Are there any technologies that you’ve been meaning to trial? Are there any issues or disputes that you’ve been intending to resolve?” or  How will we move forward towards Q4? These are just some of the experimentation that can be explored during this month. “This period of the year is also ideal for ‘big picture’ thinking. Reflect on how you and your colleagues collaborate, not just within your company but also with other stakeholders. Could lines of communication be strengthened? Is there room for improvement within your procurement process?”

Other business strategies can be revisited such as corporate communications plans, workflow plans after the month of Ramadan, all of which could have a direct impact on the productivity of a construction firm.

The Verdict

During the holy month of Ramadan many industries in the B2B sector slowdown and the construction industry is not immune to this factor; however, it does not mean that firms can’t benefit from this slowdown. Firms can look into re-strategizing and re-planning for the year as the market is expected to significantly pick up in Q4 of this year and as we approach EXPO 2020.

According to a report published on Dubai Public Policy Research Center, “However, studies show that the economies of Muslim-majority countries do not simply slow down during Ramadan; rather, their economies change. As these countries grow their role in the global economy, they are more likely to find ways to mitigate the domestic economic effects of Ramadan to ensure competitiveness in the global marketplace. For example, instead of reducing working hours during Ramadan in Malaysia and Indonesia, some companies employ policies which adjust working hours so that all employees start and end their workdays earlier. In Saudi Arabia, where many staff in the financial services sector are non-Muslims, the government allows only Muslims to limit their working hours during Ramadan. Although in perhaps a more inclusive manner, this motif is similarly seen in the UAE, where global companies such as Emirates Airlines effect a popular ‘culture swap’.

Abu Dhabi: Aldar acquires AED3.7bn worth assets from TDIC

Abu Dhabi-based developer, Aldar Properties, reached an agreement with Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC) to acquire a portfolio of prime real estate assets worth AED3.7bn,in one of the largest real estate acquisitions in the country’s history.

Aldar has acquired assets located in key destinations, with a focus on Saadiyat Island. This comprises of 14 operating assets within various sectors ranging from hospitality, retail, residential, education, and infrastructure, in addition to a selection of prime strategic land plots and projects under development on Saadiyat Island.

Talal Al Dhiyebi, CEO of Aldar Properties, commented: “Acquiring assets on Saadiyat Island presents Aldar with an unprecedented opportunity to add significant value to its portfolio. The opening of the Louvre Abu Dhabi has demonstrated the government’s commitment to make Saadiyat Island one of the most sought-after destinations in the world. We believe this landmark acquisition will further advance Abu Dhabi’s real estate sector and accelerate the development of Saadiyat Island, taking it to the next level. This is a very exciting time for the market, and as its leading player, we’re well placed to take advantage, with the injection of these new assets representing a strong addition to our impressive portfolio.”

With long stretches of prime beach, and with beachfront hotels, as well as high-quality beach villas and apartments, Saadiyat Island has for some time been the destination of choice for many discerning residents and visitors.

The value of Saadiyat Island was more recently reinforced by the opening last year of the Louvre Abu Dhabi, to much international acclaim; and with Saadiyat Island’s cultural district to be extended further through the development in the coming years of the Zayed National Museum and Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, the growth opportunities on offer are very clear.

The acquisition of TDIC’s operating assets will thus enhance Aldar’s high-quality asset management business with an additional stream of recurring revenue in line with its growth investment plan.  The acquisition of the land and projects under development will form part of Aldar’s development destination strategy. The acquisition will immediately positively contribute to the performance of both the development and asset management business in 2018 and beyond.

The operating assets being acquired include Eastern Mangroves complex, Saadiyat Island district cooling assets, Cranleigh School Abu Dhabi, Westin Golf & Spa and other community retail and leisure assets, and will deliver an incremental net operating income of approximately AED120mn to Aldar’s Asset Management portfolio on an annualized basis.

The gross development value of the projects under development on Saadiyat Island is AED2.5bn. The land being acquired is located on Saadiyat Island, is infrastructure enabled and includes approximately 1.1 million sqm gross floor area.

The acquisition is expected to fully complete by end of June 2018 and it is subject to fulfillment of certain conditions.

End,

 

Sources:

 https://ameinfo.com/media/digital/retailers-tips-ramadan-digital-marketing/

http://www.arabianbusiness.com/five-ways-maximise-productivity-during-ramadan-597406.html

http://www.constructionweekonline.com/article-49192-gulf-construction-should-prioritise-job-vacancies-during-ramadan-2018/

http://banker.az/dunya-%C9%99halisi-h%C9%99ft%C9%99d%C9%99-nec%C9%99-saat-isl%C9%99yir/

http://www.snathe.com/

http://www.bhuth.ae/articles/the-economic-effects-of-ramadan-an-analysis

https://www.thenational.ae/uae/uae-construction-workers-welcome-mandatory-midday-break-1.181073

https://gulfnews.com/xpress/news/construction-noises-keep-residents-awake-1.1850752

http://www.cbnme.com/news/aldar-acquires-assets-tdic/

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Impact of digital technology and online trading on the crane and construction market

As the use of technology increases in our daily lives we can feel the tangible impact in our personal lives as well as the talk of the digital world in our professional lives. In the previous article, the use of technology on the construction equipment (more specific construction machinery and cranes) evolution was discussed in detail. Digital technology not only impacts the construction equipment options, but it could also facilitate the project management processes and construction project monitoring and progress; which consequently could result in reduction of cost and saving time and increasing safety at construction sites.

In this article, we are discussing the various elements of digital and online market/economy of construction equipment and the impact of new technology and mobile apps in client servicing in the construction sector.

These days, ecommerce is a hot topic. Almost all consumer brands are constantly looking to expand their client base and customer retention and satisfaction either through their own digital platforms or third-party platforms. Even, Mohammad AlAbbar, the chairman of Emaar Group, who is quite well known in the construction world, has teamed up with Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund and a number of prominent Gulf investor to launch an ecommerce platform called Noon.com which competes with likes of Souq.com (recently acquired by Amazon) and other international ecommerce players in the region.

However, that is from a consumer brand perspective, but how has the B2B and the construction industry been impacted by this digital revolution. We will investigate this issue from various aspects.

Online market of construction equipment, construction machinery and cranes

In an article published by NFT earlier this year about the second-hand market for cranes and renting construction equipment market, we saw that there is a massive demand for second-hand towers cranes and there are many players and stake holders in the market. Most of these stakeholders have major online presence in terms of inquiring about these products and also in term of suppliers.

 Before getting into those details, here are some online platforms for new and used construction machinery options (these websites actually have very different approaches in terms of their offerings):

This is a bidding website where various bid from different suppliers are listed; While you can’t bid directly on the site, Construction Equipment Guide aggregates construction equipment auctions onto a calendar page view. Buyers can choose the suppliers based on geographical proximity and bid on the ones available.

Equipment Trader offers over 100,000 pieces of equipment in both new and used categories. If you’re looking to get sell your construction equipment or you are a dealer, Equipment Trader website is very user friendly and it is fairly easy to post a listing. There is a 72 hour waiting period after you’ve posted your listing as Equipment Trader verifies all listings; which is beneficial for both the suppliers and the potential buyers.

As the name implies, this website is solely dedicated to buying and selling of various types of cranes, including crane parts and equipment. You can also rent crane equipment and it offers training course and offers a dedicated section on getting quotes from inspection, transporting cranes, to lifting gear hire. This is an all around comprehensive digital platform that offers financing services too.

This website is a marketplace for crane buyers and sellers and allows crane suppliers to have advertising options to be communicate through their database. As compared to Crane Network, the users of this website tend to be more conservative in terms of sharing the prices and you might need to get in touch with them directly to get a quote.

This global website has over 40,000 items for sale from construction equipment, agriculture machinery, trucks to attachments and parts. However, this website is a good source for parts rather than the actual equipment.

This website offers free listings for sellers, potential buyers, and even potential renters, Machinery Trader is a great resource for anyone looking to buy heavy construction equipment without spending a significant amount in the process. Machinery Trader also offers parts, components, and attachments at a discounted rate, along with dismantled machines for the more adventurous construction company owner.

Ritchie Bros Auctioneers are a very well know auction house in the construction world and they have taken their operations online. Based out of Canada, they are the world’s largest industrial auctioneers. They are one of the biggest and most reliable digital platform for construction equipment market. Use their search function to first narrow down by location. Their auction calendar can be filtered into two categories: Industrial Auctions and Agricultural Auctions. potential buyers can filter their results by region, industry, equipment type, make, model auction location, year, serial number and more, making it one of the most user friendly platforms from the list.

In parallel, some magazines have capitalized on the fact that they are a neutral hub bringing together manufacturers, suppliers and readers into one platform. With that in mind, they have created a platform for the supply and demand of heavy machinery. Examples of that include KHL magazine with its World Crane Market and Cranes today with their Crane Marketplace.

Clearly, the online resources for buying, selling, renting construction equipment and parts is quite vast. However, actual crane manufacturers have rarely tried to offer their products directly and they have used some of the website mentioned above. We are looking at some the key benefits of the online market in the points below:

Easier access to different suppliers: Traditionally potential buyers needed to get quotation either by making phone calls or physically being present at the suppliers’ offices. With the emergence of online marketplace in the construction industry, not only access to almost all construction equipment suppliers has becoming much simpler but also it has impacted the pricing models as well. Potential buyers (therefore, the expected demand) has played a pivotal role in pricing strategies of suppliers which now they need to constantly create counter offers to win new business.

  • Better deals through online trading: With greater and easier access to supplier comes more information on the available deals for construction equipment. Suppliers need to always keep their pricing per market forces.
  • Better services through online platforms: Besides pricing, construction equipment suppliers also at time bundle up their offerings in terms of after sales services too. For example, in order to stay in the competition and not to cut down on prices too much, many suppliers offer financing and post-sale guarantee offers that in return benefits the buyers.
  • It is significantly time saving: Of course, potential buyers have access to a world of listing at their fingertips without even leaving their office and they can actually make a purchase within a day.

These are just some of the benefits, however, online trading in construction equipment market has some points that the stakeholders need to be aware of.

  • Responsibility & Credibility: Most of the website and online portals that are in the construction equipment market are Marketplaces; meaning that they connect the buyers to sellers and they do not necessarily take on most of responsibility in terms of after sales services nor the quality of the products being offered. Users on website such as Equipment Trader need to have their listings verified, however, the entire responsibility is with the buyers and nor the platform.
  • Increasing number of middle men: Since it is much easier for companies and even individuals to list products online, in the construction equipment online market, at times there are a significant number user that merely connect buyers and sellers. This is also common in traditional markets, however, in online trading, potential buyers need to be aware that many of the listings are done by these intermediary companies and at time it could increase costs and time of delivery of equipment.

Digital Technology and client servicing – Tower Crane sector

Using mobile apps may be a part of our daily lives and even major business deals might be done through them (primarily online buying and communication apps), but also in the crane sector client servicing, they have made a great impact in term of customer satisfaction. Here are looking at some of these mobile apps:

Manitowoc diagnostic mobile app to increase crane up time:  Manitowoc Cranes has announced a new smartphone app that will help customers to diagnose technical issues on their cranes much faster. The free app will be available on iOS and Android devices, and will enable users to understand the numeric diagnostic codes that are generated by their on-board control systems. Manitowoc is the first manufacturer in the crane industry to release an app of this kind.

According to Manitowoc website, “In the past, when cranes had technical issues, Manitowoc customers had no way to interpret the diagnostic codes that would appear on the main display of the crane’s cab. Specialized technicians would have to be called to the job site with proprietary equipment, and any time spent waiting affected the project schedule. Now, with this freely available smartphone app that instantly tells users what codes mean, crane owners can begin working on solutions immediately, boosting their uptime.”

“We’re entering into a new era of crane operation where we can harness the power of mobile devices and Manitowoc wants to lead the way,” said John Alexander, director of all-terrain crane service, mobile training and telematics at Manitowoc. “By accessing a cloud database right from their smartphones, companies can quickly get valuable diagnostic information to keep their cranes up and running.”

The first version of the app will address diagnostic codes on all Grove- and Manitowoc-branded cranes that run on Manitowoc’s Crane Control System (CCS), as well as all-terrain (GMK) models that have ECOS 1 or ECOS 2 installed. National Crane boom truck functionality will follow in a future update.

Tower Crane Operator Simulator: 

There are various mobile apps available on the app stores that allows users to operate virtual tower cranes.

In this app, you can operate wide range of heavy construction cranes with realistic physics in this superb 3D simulation game. Play Tower Crane Operator Simulator in your android tablet and phones. Incredibly designed game play with full control over forklifts, magnet and skyscraper tower crane. You can fulfill duty as staff at dry port in the city lift containers and cargo loads with fork lifter and magnet cranes. You can have a sense of a constructor cranes operator in quarry crew member on some building sites or sandbox. This is particularly important for training courses for the new staff.

It is almost impossible to fully discuss the impact of digital technology on the construction equipment and crane market in an article. It is every evolving and significantly expanding. Overall, it has impacted the market in a very positive manner, easier access to information to both buyers and sellers, advanced after sales services, mobile apps for client servicing are just some of advancements in this field.

More traditional firms need to embrace these advancements and regard it as a very positive step for the future of their business. It wouldn’t be long before more digital players arise from this revolution that could replace some of the more conservative and traditional stakeholders.

NFT and its rentalpartner in the UK Radius sign agreement with Potain

A rental partnership agreement has been signed between Manitowoc’s tower crane manufacturer Potain, Radius and NFT for the United Kingdom. Radius NFT will supply Potain brand tower cranes for the UK market.

Mike Fryer, Radius NFT managing director, commented, “It is great that Manitowoc recognises both Radius and NFT as their partner in the UK. The manufacturer understands our business which reinforces our position in the UK tower crane market.”  Nabil Al Zahlawi, NFT president, said, “Partnerships are important in our business – you cannot do it alone. We are strong because we have a factory behind us, supporting us, in a difficult market like the UK.“I hope we can do more and more in the UK and develop a better market share. We started with zero cranes and now we have 50. The potential is there, and for bigger cranes, and I hope we will soon reach 100 cranes.”

Barry Pennypacker, Manitowoc president and CEO, said, “This industry is very capital intensive; service dependent. It takes a lot of capital. To grow our market share we need to have partnerships and we look forward to continuing partnerships around the world.”

The announcement was made on 25 April during the Intermat construction equipment exhibition in Paris, France. It is the first rental presence Potain has had in the UK for several years. The agreement is in place with immediate effect.

NFT wins award for “Excellent in Operations & Marketing” at INTERMAT

Manitowoc Cranes has announced the first winner of its Dealer Awards ceremony at the Paris-based Intermat tradeshow. Abu Dhabi-based distribution partner NFT won the ‘Excellence in Operations and Marketing’ award.  NFT won the award after it invested over $5 million in improving infrastructure and brand image in the Middle Eastern market. The dealership established a new 300,000 square meter yard in Abu Dhabi, UAE and made significant investments in marketing and safety promotion.

NFT CEO Nabil Al Zahlawi was presented with the award by Aaron Ravenscroft, executive vice president of Manitowoc Cranes. “Our investment wasn’t just a financial investment; it was an investment in people,” said Al Zahlawi. “Our partnership with Manitowoc is like a perfect marriage and I’m happy with our partnership both in the Middle East and all over the world.”

The End.

Sources: 

https://www.manitowoccranes.com/en/news-events/news/2018/180425-Manitowoc-announces-first-Intermat-Dealer-Award

https://www.khl.com/international-cranes-and-specialized-transport/potain-for-radius-nft/132783.article

https://www.manitowoccranes.com/en/news-events/news/2018/180404-Manitowoc-releases-free-diagnostic-mobile-app-to-increase-crane-uptime-for-customers

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.dts.cargo.crane.simulator&hl=en

Image sources:

https://www.westminster.ac.uk/news-and-events/news/2016/university-of-westminster-launches-free-digital-construction-online-short-course

https://www.iconfinder.com/icons/2966700/architect_building_construction_design_ecommerce_planning_technology_icon#size=128