First Manitowoc RT from Brazil

USA-based Manitowoc has presented the first crane from its new factory in Brazil.

The 59 tonne capacity Grove RT765E-2 rough terrain crane was assembled in the Passo Fundo plant 60 days ahead of schedule, said the company.

It was bought by Brazil-based Makro Engenharia, and is the first in a 32-crane order from the rental giant, including 16 rough terrains and 16 all terrains, although the latter will not be produced in Brazil. Makro plans to put the cranes to work in mining, petrochemical and infrastructure projects throughout Latin America.

The RT765E-2 has four-wheel, multi-mode steering and the manufacturer's Full Vision cab that helps operators manoeuvre across rugged jobsites.

The factory was built in less than a year and is a US$75 million investment in the Latin American market. The 450,000 square metre plot lends itself to further expansion, said Manitowoc.

Tower crane production will soon start there and no other product type is out of the question, added the company. The factory is expected to be assembling 60% of its rough terrains from local suppliers within five years.