For Immediate Release

April 19, 2005

Arcomet France expands rental fleet with major investment in 28 new Potain tower cranes

Arcomet France, one of the leading tower-crane rental companies in France, has ordered 28 new Potain tower cranes. The deal, believed to be one of the largest tower crane orders in France, includes three MD 365Bs, seven MD 310Bs, five MD 265Bs, five MDT 178s, and eight GTMR 386Bs. 

“This major expansion of our fleet demonstrates our confidence, both in the strength of the market and in Potain’s products,” said Luc Theyskens, managing director of Arcomet France. “We chose Potain because they are extremely reliable cranes which meet our expectations, in specifications and performance. In addition, we know we can rely on the superior technical support provided by Potain and Manitowoc’s Crane CARE network.

“This carefully chosen array of tower cranes is highly versatile and adaptable for a wide range of projects, and is well-suited to efficient rental-fleet management,” Theyskens said. “One of our aims is always to maintain a ‘young’ fleet – none of our cranes is more than five years old – so the worldwide reputation and consistently high residual values of Potain is another important consideration in our equipment purchases.”

Frans Vanwinkel, Potain’s vice president of sales and marketing for the Europe, Middle East, and Africa region, said the deal was highly positive for both Potain and Arcomet France.

“It is a fitting tribute to the appeal of our extensive range and also entirely appropriate that one of the largest tower-crane rental companies in the world should invest in advanced and versatile products from the world leader in tower cranes,” he said.

Delivery of the new French-built cranes from Potain begins in April, with many of the new units already slated to work on a wide variety of projects throughout France.