03.02.2012

Manitowoc and Ascorel extend partnership

Manitowoc has renewed and enhanced its partnership with Ascorel, its supplier of anti-collision technology for Potain tower cranes.

The two companies jointly developed the Top Tracing II anti-collision system that is fitted to more than 3,500 Potain tower cranes.
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The Potain Top Tracing II anti-collision system - made by Ascorel

Under the new long-term agreement, Ascorel will begin developing an updated and enhanced Top Tracing system for Potain tower cranes, which will be available to from Manitowoc Crane Care, its product support business. Crane Care will also act as a distributor for the Ascorel MC 602 anti-collision system for both Potain and other tower cranes.

The MC 602 and Top Tracing II both offer the same functionality and performance; however, the MC 602 is more tailored to the retrofit and rental market, whereas Top Tracing II is designed to stay with the same crane for a longer period of operation.
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The Ascorel 602 anti collision system

Remi Deporte, Manitowoc’s global product manager for tower cranes, said: “Our relationship with Ascorel dates back 20 years, and our companies have grown closer over that period. The Top Tracing II system has been a hugely successful anti-collision system, both in France and other markets. By renewing the relationship between Manitowoc and Ascorel, we can work on the next generation of anti-collision technology for tower cranes.”

The MC 602 and Top Tracing II both offer the same functionality and performance; however, the MC 602 is more tailored to the retrofit and rental market, whereas Top Tracing II is designed to stay with the same crane for a longer period of operation.

Ascorel’s chief executive Francis Lemahieu added: “Our head office is in Lyon, which is near Manitowoc’s headquarters in Ecully and we talk almost daily. We are committed to providing industry-leading technology for Potain cranes, which we believe are the best on the market. It’s great news that our companies have signed this new agreement, and we hope the first products developed under the new partnership will launch soon.”

This agreement is separate from the recently announced deal between Manitowoc and Trimble to co-operate on the development of a range of GPS based crane systems to enhance jobsite productivity. Click here to see Trimble and Manitowoc to collaborate

Speaking of this Deporte said: “We use the latest technology so Manitowoc customers can improve productivity with our cranes. Partnering with two industry-leaders in the field of control technology allows us to enhance that even more. Both Ascorel and Trimble have strong reputations built up over time, and through these new agreements, we will offer customers the latest technology from these firms before anyone else.”

Ascorel was founded in 1988 and originally produced systems for mobile cranes, before moving into tower crane anti-collision systems and other electronic monitoring equipment. It employs around 80 staff with revenues of around €15 million. Click here to see Ascorel appoints new manager