24.03.2006

First Manitowoc-Kobelco in Europe

Bob Francis the North Wales based crane hirer, has ordered the what is believed to be, the first Manitowoc badged Kobelco crawler crane to be sold in Europe.

The unit a Manitowoc 8500E is due to be delivered to the company later this month.
Bob Francis only entered the crawler crane market 18 months ago with a five tonne IHI, since then the fleet has expanded rapidly, with the new Manitowoc being its seventh crane. Other models are Hitachi crawlers with capacities of between 35 and 55 tonnes.

Bob Francis has a good working relationship with Manitowoc UK as a good Grove customer. Manitowoc is likely to have been able to have offered a better delivery than Kobelco as well as being able to offer the Crane Care product support and Crane credit finance services if so desired.