MCG expands east

Manitowoc Crane Group (MCG) has bought a factory in Slovakia for cranes destined for Eastern European countries.

The facility in Saris, near Kosice, was acquired from Slovakian company Valcovna profilov and is being refurbished and equipped.

It will serve as a final manufacturing and assembly site for Grove, Manitowoc and Potain cranes sold to customers in Eastern Europe, particularly Russia and the CIS.

Eric Etchart, MCG president, said, “Customers in Eastern Europe, Russia and the CIS will benefit from lower shipping costs and faster delivery schedules with the introduction of this Slovakian facility. Meanwhile, by redeveloping an existing facility on a brownfield site, we will be able to get this factory live faster and at a lower cost.”

MCG plans initially to use the facility for the production of Potain's range of top slewing tower cranes. It will handle the latter stages of the production process such as painting, assembly, testing and shipping. The company also plans to manufacture Potain's K masts at the plant using chords welded in the MCG factory in Moulins, France.

Grove mobile cranes, Manitowoc crawler cranes and Potain self erecting cranes could also be produced there, if required. Production is set to start at the facility in late 2007.

Eric Etchart said this latest investment showed a clear commitment by MCG to existing and growing markets. “It is no secret that demand for Manitowoc Crane Group lifting equipment is at record levels and our customers are looking for faster delivery times.

“This new facility will relieve some of the current pressure on our other tower crane factories in Europe and Asia. It also positions us well for the future to serve the growing markets of Eastern Europe, Russia and the CIS.”