During the year 1928 within La Clayette, France, the company Potain was born. Ever since then, Potain has been the world leader in tower crane production. They are responsible for more than 100,000 cranes installed and sold all-around the globe. At present, the company makes over 60 models from different production plants in France, China, Germany, Italy and Portugal. The business represents numerous different product ranges used for a variety of applications. These machines are sold through an international Manitowoc dealer network.
The Potain family makes 3 different tower crane families. The self-erecting cranes are the smallest ones in the Potain range. These cranes range from 1 ton to 7.98 ton capacity. The next size up is the top-slewing cranes that are both larger and higher. These cranes range from 7.98 to 64 tons. In addition, these are the largest custom-made special application cranes. These units provide a reach capacity of 160 tons.
Several of the main innovations with the company include the LLC range of hoists, the Vision Cab and the Dialog control system. The growing reputation of the company has expanded their appeal with various models. Potain cranes are usually found on traditional construction sites, power stations, bridge building projects, shipbuilding yards and ship-building projects.
Two of Manitowac's largest facilities are based in the United States. Their manufacturing facility is based in Wisconsin. In this state, both the tower crane components and crawler cranes are constructed in Pennsylvania in the Shady Grove facility. Here boom trucks and mobile cranes are manufactured. Regional offices are located in Brazil and within Mexico. Also, the extensive dealer network located throughout the United States and Canada provides coverage and support unrivalled by any other crane producer.
Manitowoc has dominated the lifting market in North America for over 50 years. They have built their solid reputation with a combination of outstanding support and service and quality products. The well-known names of Grove, National Crane and Manitowoc have been leading members of their market sectors in Latin and South America, USA and Canada.