30.10.2025

17 Potain cranes in Milan

Italian contractors CMB and Renco Group are operating 17 Potain MDT series flat top tower cranes at the Mind Innovation district project in Milan. The fleet comprises 11 of the 10 tonne MDT 219s, four of the 12 tonne MDT 319s and two 12 tonne MDT 389s.

The €4.5 billion development covers approximately a kilometre on the northwest edge of Milan and includes multiple construction sites for residential, commercial and educational buildings.

CMB is managing the mobility and logistics hub,with 1,800 parking spaces as well as the nine floor Horizon and 13 storey Zenith mixed use tower blocks. When complete the Zenith block will be Italy's tallest timber building. The company is using five Potain MDT topless cranes: three MDT 319s at Horizon, and an MDT 319 and MDT 389 at Zenith.

CMB project manager Simone Motta said: “From an execution standpoint, these buildings are designed with prefabrication in mind - to accelerate construction and reduce on site labour while minimising potential risks. We chose to use only Potain MDT cranes, which required a careful analysis of logistics, operating radii and potential interferences. That planning allowed us to achieve optimal coverage of the entire construction area. The cranes were essential for assembling floor slabs and façade panels throughout the process.”

Renco Group is constructing a new University of Milan campus scheduled for completion in 2027 - the facility includes 18,000 square metres of classrooms, 35,000 square metres of laboratories, a botanical garden and sports areas. The company has taken 11 MDT 219 cranes supported by an MDT 389 erected to a height of 75 metres.

Andrea Salaroli, Renco project manager said: “Given the scale and complexity of the site, we developed a lifting plan with Potain that includes 12 cranes. This setup provides full coverage across the site and allows us to organise work in two shifts, accelerating progress.”