During 1928 within La Clayette, France, the company Potain was born. Since then, Potain has been the global leader in tower crane production. They are responsible for more than 100,000 cranes installed and sold around the world. Currently, the company manufacturers more than 60 models from different manufacturing plants in China, France, Germany, Italy and Portugal. The company represents many different product ranges designed for a variety of applications. These machinery are sold through a global 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 which are larger and higher. These cranes vary from 7.98 to 64 tons. In addition, these are the biggest special application cranes which are custom-designed. These units provide a reach capacity of 160 tons.
Several of the main innovations with the company consist of the LLC series 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 often found on conventional construction sites, power stations, bridge building projects, ship-building projects and shipbuilding yards.
Two of Manitowac's biggest facilities are based within the US. Their manufacturing facility is based in Wisconsin. In this state, both the tower crane components and crawler cranes are made within the state of Pennsylvania inside the Shady Grove plant. Here boom trucks and mobile cranes are manufactured. Regional offices are situated within Brazil and within Mexico. Additionally, the extensive dealer network located all over Corona and the United States provides support and coverage unrivalled by any other crane manufacturer.
Manitowoc has dominated the lifting market within North America for over 50 years. They have built their solid reputation with a combination of outstanding service and support and quality products. The well-known names of National Crane, Manitowoc Cranes and Grove have been top members of their market sectors in Corona, South and Latin America and USA.