News Release

18 July 2006

Arcomet Group to distribute Potain cranes in Ireland

Manitowoc Crane Group and Arcomet have signed an agreement enabling Arcomet to distribute the full line of Potain tower cranes throughout Ireland. The new arrangement will take effect immediately and covers sales and service of Potain top-slewing and self-erecting cranes.

Frans Vanwinkel, vice president of sales and marketing in the Europe, Middle East and Africa region, said the latest partnership would benefit both companies.

“Developing the Irish market is a key priority for MCG and a natural progression from our successful relationship with Arcomet in the UK,” he said. “The new distribution agreement is part of our overall strategy to be close to our all of our customers globally. Arcomet’s professional approach combined with its wealth of knowledge makes it a perfect partner for Potain.”

Arcomet is one of the world’s largest tower crane rental companies and has significant presence in Europe. Headquartered in Belgium, it runs rental fleets from France, Germany, Italy, The Netherlands and the UK, and partners in the US with P&J.

Dirk Theyskens, managing director of Arcomet Group, said that there is a definite potential for productive and efficient lifting equipment in Ireland.

“Our company has been involved in a variety of projects in Ireland over the years and we've noticed quite a dramatic change in the country's cityscapes in recent times,” he said. “We expect the Potain product to do very well there.”

About The Arcomet Group
The Arcomet Group is the world’s largest self-erecting and tower crane rental company. Its current fleet of 600 self-erecting and 700 tower cranes is rented through a network of 18 wholly-owned branch offices and joint-ventures throughout Europe and the US. The Arcomet Group also specializes in full service support, providing customers with engineering, shipping, service and operating support worldwide. It is one of the world’s largest traders in used tower cranes, specializing in the purchase and sales of tower crane fleets on a global basis.

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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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