In the year 1928 within La Clayette, France, the company Potain was born. Ever since then, Potain has been the global leader in tower crane production. They are responsible for over 100,000 cranes installed and sold around the world. Now, the company manufacturers more than 60 models from different manufacturing plants inside China, France, Italy, Portugal and Germany. The company represents numerous different product ranges designed for various applications. These machines are sold through an international Manitowoc dealer network.
The family of Potain cranes are divided into different tower crane families. The smallest cranes manufactured by Potain are the self-erecting cranes. These cranes range from 1 ton to 7.98 ton capacity. The next size up is the top-slewing cranes which are both higher and larger. These cranes vary from 7.98 to 64 tons. Furthermore, these are the largest special application cranes which are custom-made. These models provide a reach capacity of one hundred sixty tons.
Several of the main innovations with the company consist of the LLC series of hoists, the Dialog control system and the Vision Cab. The company's growing reputation has expanded their appeal with various models. Potain cranes are usually found on traditional construction sites, bridge building projects, power stations, ship-building projects and shipbuilding yards.
Two of Manitowac's largest facilities are based in the US. Their manufacturing facility is based in the state of Wisconsin. In this state, both crawler cranes and the tower crane components are made within Pennsylvania in the Shady Grove plant. Here both boom trucks and mobile cranes are built. Regional offices are located in Mexico and in Brazil. Also, the extensive dealer network located throughout Pennsylvania and the United States offers support and coverage unrivalled by any other crane manufacturer.
Manitowoc has dominated the lifting market within North America for more than 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 within South and Latin America, the United States and Pennsylvania.