For Immediate Release

February 10, 2005

New Potain crane impresses on first test in Germany
NIBM delivers first new Igo 50 self-erecting crane to Verfuss GmbH in Hemer for construction of a ‘sleep laboratory’

The Igo 50

The first test for the new Potain Igo 50 self-erecting tower crane in Germany is taking place at an unusual construction site in the Hemer region of Sauerland, where construction company Verfuss GmbH is building a new ‘sleep laboratory’ at the hospital for lung diseases.

This important center for pneumology and thoracic surgery, with 240 beds, is one of the nine hospitals in the Deutschen Gemeinschafts-Diakonieverbandes (German Deaconry Community) in Marburg, providing diagnosis and therapy for throat and chest afflictions. The new 2,900 m² (31,000 ft²) ‘sleep laboratory’ with 11 beds will be completed by mid-2005, and will be used to diagnose and solve the problems of snoring.

Verfuss is using the new Igo 50, the first to be delivered in Germany, for lifting all materials and equipment at the job-site. “The 40 m (130 ft) reach and maximum capacity of 4 t (4.4 USt), together with its frequency-controlled drive system are especially useful features,” says managing director Georg Verfuss.

The family-owned Verfuss company specializes in both private and commercial building construction, as well as the restoration, protection, and maintenance of public monuments. It decided to invest in the new Igo technology because it would contribute to the efficient organization of the Hemer site, enabling all construction operations to be carried out quickly and cost-effectively.

Local specialist crane dealer and adviser Christoph Ulbrich of NIBM (Gelsenkirchen) provides a complete crane support service for Potain, from initial specification to maintenance.

The new model Igo 50, with maximum lift capacity of 4 t (4.4 USt), and a jib-end load capacity of 1.1 t (1.2 USt) at maximum radius of 40 m (130 ft), is the largest in the Igo range. As on all Igo models, it is equipped with a hand-held radio-remote control, complete with a display for all crane operating data. The main electro-hydraulic unit and drive mechanisms are all easily accessible, and there is a central lubrication system for the slew-ring and pinion.

Potain, one of the world’s leading producers of tower cranes, has pioneered the development of self-erecting cranes. The Igo range is based on the principle of hydraulic self-erection, with easy transportation and fast setup.

The full Igo range comprises 12 models from 1.8 t to 4.0 t (1.98 t to 4.40 USt) in capacity, with a wide range of working radii, and carefully matched slewing and electro-magnetic dynamic braking systems. Transportation is by low-loader or trailer.

About The Manitowoc Company
The Manitowoc Company, Inc. is one of the world's largest providers of lifting equipment for the global construction industry, including lattice-boom cranes,tower cranes, mobile telescopic cranes, and boom trucks. As a leading manufacturer of ice-cube machines, ice/beverage dispensers, and commercial refrigeration equipment, the company offers the broadest line of cold-focused equipment for the foodservice industry. In addition, the company is a leading provider of shipbuilding, ship repair, and conversion services for government, military, and commercial customers throughout the U.S. maritime industry.

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