Potain tower cranes overcome strict logistical restraints

The construction of a new shopping center in Montabaur, Germany, came with a tough schedule – just 12 months to build the huge new 14,000 m² Westerwald Fashion Outlet Center. Four Potain tower cranes were specifically chosen to meet the project’s strict deadline.

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The main contractor on the job, Fritz Mayer, called in four Potain topless tower cranes to assist in the €17.5 m project: A 10 t capacity Potain MDT 218A J10, two 8 t capacity MDT 178 cranes and a 6 t capacity MDT 128.

The topless cranes were selected for their size – as time was of the essence, fitting four topless cranes on the job site were more efficient than if the work was done with fewer, non-topless cranes.

Mario Engelen, site manager at the Altenkirchen-based company, said the shopping center project was a logistical challenge, but having cranes that were the perfect size with the ideal capacity enabled Fritz Meyer to complete the project on time and on budget.

“We work with a wide variety of building materials and often with pre-fabricated components,” he said. “During the entire construction cycle, crane capacities have to match these tasks and every individual lift process.”

Nauheim-based Hack rented the tower cranes to Fritz Meyer. Each crane lifted an average load of 22 t each day, and at peak times up to 66 t. Most lifted up to five load duty cycles per hour. The location of each crane was carefully calculated to ensure smooth logistics on the job site.

Reinforced foundations were created where needed to support the cranes. A swift and smooth rigging phase was achieved with support from Potain riggers, the proven K mast system, masts in mono block design and with strapping utilizing the TIRAX system.

Werner Hack, owner of Hack, said that Manitowoc provided valuable on-site support for the four Potain cranes.

“From on-time delivery to support with rigging the cranes, Potain in Langenfeld, Manitowoc’s distribution and service facility, has provided excellent service,” he said.

The Westerwald Fashion Outlet is due to open in April this year.