The company Potain was established in La Clayette, France in 1928. Ever since that time, the company has grown into a leading manufacturer of cranes. The company is responsible for over 100,000 cranes in operation all over the world. Currently, the company manufacturers more than 60 models from different manufacturing plants in France, China, Germany, Italy and Portugal. The company represents numerous different product ranges used for a variety of applications. These machines are sold through an international Manitowoc dealer network.
The family of Potain cranes are divided into different tower crane families. The smallest cranes produced by Potain are the self-erecting cranes. These cranes vary from 1 ton to 7.98 ton capacity. The next size up is the top-slewing cranes that are bigger and higher. These cranes vary from 7.98 to 64 tons. In addition, these are the largest custom-designed special application cranes. These units provide a reach capacity of one hundred sixty tons.
Several of the main innovations with the company include the LLC range of hoists, the Vision Cab and the Dialog control system. The growing reputation of the company has expanded their appeal with different 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 largest facilities are based in the United States. Their manufacturing facility is based within Wisconsin. In this state, both the tower crane parts and crawler cranes are constructed in Pennsylvania in the Shady Grove plant. Here both boom trucks and mobile cranes are manufactured. Regional offices are located within Mexico and in Brazil. Also, the extensive dealer network found throughout Prince Edward Island and the United States offers support and coverage unrivalled by any other crane producer.
Manitowoc has dominated the lifting market in North America for over 50 years. They have built their solid reputation with a combination of outstanding service and support and quality products. The popular names of Grove, National Crane and Manitowoc have been leading members of their market sectors within Latin and South America, the United States and Prince Edward Island.