29.01.2021

José Antonio Eiriz 1959-2021

We have received the sad news that José Antonio Eiriz, owner and chief executive of Spanish crane and aerial lift rental company Gruas Eiriz has died, he was just 61.

We understand that he passed away on Tuesday, just a few days after going into hospital with Covid-19. He took over at the head of the company, which is based in A Coruña in north east Spain, after his father, Ángel Eiriz, passed away in 2011. He had started the business as a transport company in 1967 and added a wrecker crane/tow truck in 1974 and gradually moved to crane rental adding aerial lifts at a later date. Today the company has revenues in the region of €2 million, employs 28 and runs cranes up to the 650 tonne Demag AC650 and platforms to 40 metre working heights. José’s son Iago will take over the management of the business.
Please register to see all images

José Antonio Eiriz - photo courtesy of Movicarga

Macarena García Oliver of Spain’s crane and access magazine and website Movicarga said: “The Spanish crane sector is in mourning with this sad loss. José Antonio was one of those people that absolutely everyone qualifies as good, no matter if he was a customer, friend, competitor or employee. He followed the legacy of his father with pride, optimism and respect. He was a very loved person in the sector and the loss of him is a jug of cold water. We send the family all the courage and all the strength to overcome this terrible event. We feel it from the heart. His son Iago will continue the saga and will make José Antonio very proud of him.”

Movicarga is organising a tribute and is inviting messages – please send any contributions to: [email protected]