This week Manitowoc hosted an event at the company’s new Crane Care facility in Saint Pierre de Chandieu, for the official launch of the new MDT CCS City crane range, as well as a preview of two new tower crane operator elevator solutions.
Groups were guided through each demonstration and received a customized visit, where they had the opportunity to ask questions and discuss the products with Manitowoc sales representatives and product experts for the different areas including the CCS, crane operator elevators, the spare parts logistics and the recently launched training center.
MDT CCS City range
Partners and customers were invited to visit over a week to ensure attendees could all see, touch and test the new Crane Control System (CCS), which is now available on the MDT City range. The new MDT CCS City range includes the MDT 109, MDT 139, MDT 189 and the MDT 219.
Thanks to the new Crane Control System, the cranes benefit from improved load curve performances, better ergonomics for the crane operator, a fast and easy calibration during erection and other benefits improving return on investment for owners.
“It was important for our partners and customers to visit the facility firsthand to see and experience the full benefits of the new system,” said François Rotat, product manager for top-slewing tower crane systems at Manitowoc.
Crane operator elevator solutions
Two new tower crane operator elevators that were previewed included the internal mast solution, named CabLIFT developed in collaboration with Alimak Hek, and the external mast solution, named Tower Crane Lift (TCL).
“We highlighted the technical solutions and the benefits of the two solutions,” said Alexandre Chanteclair, product manager for top-slewing tower cranes at Manitowoc. “The solutions have been designed to meet the highest level regulations, which is especially relevant in countries such as France, the Netherlands and Scandinavia.”
Manitowoc Crane Care facility – Saint Pierre de Chandieu
Manitowoc’s new dedicated Crane Care services facility was opened last year in Saint Pierre de Chandieu, France. Visitors to this week’s event received a tour of the spare parts logistic center, the training center and the local services department at the new facility, ideally located just 10 minutes from Lyon St Exupery airport.
The spare parts logistics center hosts Potain, Grove and Manitowoc branded parts, and has the capacity to deliver 200,000 order lines a year. The center employs an effective layout to optimize delivery speed, meaning 90% of stock can be delivered within two days.
The new training center is the latest addition to the Manitowoc Crane Care facility, offering professional multi-language training courses for international crane operators and customers. Moved from Baudemont in the east of France, the center has four Potain tower cranes and can also provide Manitowoc crawler cranes and a Grove mobile crane courses for trainees to receive first-hand experience. The training center is one of the most advanced in the industry, with the latest equipment and state-of-the-art technology.
“We are pleased to have our visitors see one of latest investments that benefits our customer services efficiency,” said Jean-Noel Daguin, senior vice president of tower cranes at Manitowoc. “The center is now equipped with a crane simulator to further enhance the training experience, and includes a CCS bench to train operators for the new MDT CCS City range.”
The local services department offers erection and dismantling of tower cranes, as well as refurbishing services. Via the local services department, field technicians have easier and quicker access to spare parts, which can be ordered directly from the logistics center in the facility.
Over 330 people attended the event throughout the week, including distributors and customers in Europe, international and French press, and local officials.