For Immediate Release

March 15, 2005

Potain self-erectors finding niche in restoration market

Potain HDT 80

Potain self-erecting tower cranes operated by Consigli Construction are taking the New England restoration market by storm with their blend of reach, small footprint, and excellent lifting abilities.

The Milford, Massachusetts-based contractor specializes in the restoration of historic facilities. It has been using a Potain HDT 80 and Potain HD 40A to pick and place stone blocks used in restoration work at Bowdoin College in Brunswick, Maine.

Consigli was charged with completely reconstructing twin towers at the college’s historic chapel. After one year of pre-construction planning, Consigli began taking down the north tower by dismantling and labeling each stone. About 25% of the granite replaced was from the same local quarry as the original construction. The Potain self-erectors cranes proved invaluable during the process, especially as ground control was a primary concern on this project.

“We couldn’t afford to disturb the terrain when dismantling and erecting buildings that may be more than 150 years old,” said Mike Invernizzi, equipment manager at Consigli. “But the Potain cranes performed beautifully on the project. They brought a really good competitive edge to our work.

“I first saw self-erecting cranes at work in Ireland and knew they would be right for our organization,” he said. “The word is getting out though, and other companies are starting to catch on. This concept has really taken the New England market by storm.”

Specifications of the Potain HDT 80 include a 4.5 m x 4.5 m (14.8 ft x 14.8 ft) footprint and a 34m (112 ft) hook height. Its maximum capacity is 6 t (6.6 USt) and maximum reach is 45 m (148 ft.)

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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