Manitowoc boosted by global crane demand

Manitowoc Crane Group said worldwide demand for cranes, especially in Europe, has continued to grow, despite rises in steel and commodity prices.
The company, which includes Potain tower cranes and Grove mobile cranes, has reported a worldwide net sales increase for cranes of 24% to £166m for the third quarter of 2004. Operating profit increased 34% to £7.3m, up from £5.4m for the same period last year.
"The performance clearly demonstrates the benefits of global reach and penetration," Manitowoc chairman and chief executive officer Terry Growcock said.
This year, the UK market for tower and mobile cranes has been encouraging, with more units sold compared to last
year, according to Malcolm Early, marketing communications manager for Manitowoc Crane Group.
The company has recently
sold its 100th GMK3055 mobile crane, which was launched
earlier this year. Early said
larger companies are purchasing cranes at present as the UK construction sector is booming.
Likewise, tower crane sales in the UK have also improved. "In line with increased house building, Potain cranes, especially compact self-erecting models, have been doing well,"
Early said.
n Birmingham-based Ladybird Crane Hire has taken delivery of its 50th Potain self-erecting tower crane.