Manitowoc Cranes competes in drag race and unveils new Product Verification Center

• The new Product Verification Center (PVC) at Manitowoc’s facility in Wilhelmshaven was unveiled to a small number of journalists ahead of the official opening next month.

• The PVC facility will support faster response and delivery times to changing market demands while ensuring greater return on investment for customers.

• A Grove GMK3060 competed in the largest annual racing event in Wilhelmshaven.

Manitowoc unveiled its new state-of-the-art Product Verification Center (PVC) in Wilhelmshaven, Germany one year after the company announced its plans to build it. The PVC will help ensure even higher levels of quality and reliability for its all-terrain cranes. The testing facility was unveiled to a small group of journalists on July 15, ahead of the official opening next month. 

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“This new PVC will be a key factor in ensuring unprecedented levels of quality and reliability,” said Klaus Kröppel, vice president of sales for Europe & Africa at Manitowoc. “By separating the prototype testing from the serial production testing, we will save time and improve our speed to market,” added Andreas Cremer, global product director for all-terrain cranes.  

The PVC includes four test pads. The new test pads will allow staff to further test and analyze the performance of an entire crane while a new salt spray chamber will make it easier to analyze the corrosion resistance of components. Additionally, the facility has a series of unique test benches capable of testing slewing rings and drive line components. These are automated for 24/7 operation to achieve minimum testing times. With a focus on driving innovation and velocity, the new PVC will speed up the product development phase for new designs, reduce warranty claims and on-site stoppages and allow for the direct comparison of supplier components.

“The benefit of having this facility, along with the corrosion testing, hydraulic test benches and other testing equipment at the site is to guarantee a faster response and delivery to the changing market demands while ensuring greater return on investment for customers,” said Malte Braunschweig, director at the center. 

Also, attracting much attention at the event was the annual quarter-mile drag race, the Jade Race, where Manitowoc competed in the contest for the first time. Since 2010, it has been the largest annual racing event in Wilhelmshaven. The only crane to have participated in the race, a Grove GMK3060, demonstrated its impressive credentials finishing it in less than 42 seconds. 

Future developments at the PVC facility include a circular route for driving and roadability tests, along with a 15%-25% inclining hill.