Potain tower cranes are the number one tool for high-rise construction in Xiamen, one of China’s fastest growing cities. A massive fleet of more than 300 Potain cranes dominates the city’s skyline and are building a variety of high-rise towers that mix residential, commercial and leisure development.
The average building height in Xiamen is more than 200 m (656 ft). To match this vertical growth, Potain’s local dealer, Xiamen Yuda, is kept very busy. Chen Weifeng, general manager of Xiamen Yuda, explains why so many construction companies choose Potain:
“Potain cranes are the most profitable option for tower crane owners in China,” he says. “Potain’s exceptional quality and high efficiency help complete projects smoothly and save money. When companies see these cranes at work, they want to buy one for themselves. Potain is easily the number one brand in Xiamen and is the most sought after crane in the region.”
The most commonly used Potain crane in Xiamen is the 6 t capacity MC 120. It is estimated that approximately 270 MC 120s are at work in the city.
Among the many projects using Potain tower cranes in Xiamen is the AVIC Zijin Building. The 265 m (869 ft) structure is the tallest building currently under construction and is one of the largest projects in the city.
Also featuring Potain’s cranes is the 230 m (754 ft) tall Strait Exchange Center, a multi-use complex that will include a conference center, luxury hotel and concert hall.
All of the cranes perform general lifting duties at jobsites around the city. They lift concrete, rebar, formwork, glass and any other material required to complete these massive projects.
A key challenge in Xiamen is the city’s coastal location. Cranes must endure strong winds with a highly corrosive high-salt environment. Potain cranes use high-strength steel combined with advanced structural design for industry-leading stability, and a unique paint-spraying technology protects against rust and corrosion.
The largest rental company in the city is Xiamen Zhong Huan Jian. It has more than 200 Potain tower cranes in its rental fleet. Some of its cranes were involved in the construction of the Strait Exchange Center and AVIC Zijin Building, including the Potain MC 200, MC320K16, MC 480 and the MCT 370.
Xiamen is one of the most important cities in the Western Taiwan Straits Economic Zone, an area that includes the cities of Zhangzhou, Quanzhou and Fuzhou, along the Fujian province.