Manitowoc has successfully completed production of its latest rough-terrain crane outside the USA for the first time. The first GRT8100 rolled off the production line at the company’s Niella Tanaro facility in Italy.
Until now, the 100ton GRT8100 model has been exclusively built at the Shady Grove factory in Pennsylvania, USA, while the Italian facility has been in operation since 2005 producing other rough-terrain cranes, the RT530E-2, the RT540E and the RT550E.
An additional 80-ton model will also be manufactured at both plants by the end of the year.
Jens Ennen, senior vice president for mobile cranes in Europe and Africa, Manitowoc, said, “We are confident that our customers in Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Asia-Pacific will benefit greatly from this decision.
“Benefits will include shorter lead times, lower shipping costs and preferential import duties in certain countries that recognize the EUR1 certificate of origin, with the specifications and quality level being as high as the rough-terrain cranes manufactured in Shady Grove.
Machine features
The GRT8100 has a 47m five-section boom and features class-leading capabilities and Manitowoc’s Crane Control System (CCS). With a full complement of boom extension and insert options, the crane has best-in-class reach of up to 77m. Both 10m and 17m manual and hydraulic offsettable extensions are available, as well as a heavy-duty 3m jib that is offsettable to 40°.
“This project was made possible thanks to the successful and effective collaboration between the teams in Shady Grove and Niella Tanaro; it’s a true testament to the spirit of The Manitowoc Way, and innovation and velocity,” Ennen added.
“The team in Niella Tanaro in particular has done a tremendous job; they managed to utilize the factory for GRT8100 production in only a few months. This resembles a further example of The Manitowoc Way in practice.
“Manitowoc employs very passionate and talented people, as well as skilled workers on the assembly line. Furthermore, the company can rely on a well-established network of qualified suppliers in Europe. These conditions have made the success of this project possible.”
