Potain, crane, Italy--Potain cranes build Italian development in Le Albere

Potain cranes are working on a new multi-use development in northern Italy. Eleven cranes are on site at the Le Albere development in the city of Trento. In August, two more Potain tower cranes will arrive. Sabino Riefoli, sales and marketing support manager for Manitowoc in Italy, said the development is the most prominent construction project in the region. "It is unusual to see such a large number of tower cranes on one job site in this part of Italy. But this is not an average development," he said. "The three-year project will completely transform this region, creating a new district of homes and businesses. Our cranes were selected for this job because it is high-profile, and the contractor wants to ensure efficiency and reliability."

The cranes arrived on site in April 2009, and range from 6 t to 12 t capacities with working heights between 28 m and 61 m. The cranes work daily, transporting general building materials. They will remain on site until the project is complete in early 2012.

Main contractor Colombo Costruzioni is making full use of Potain technology to ensure optimum safety and efficiency for lift operations. Top Tracing, the anti-collision and controlled zone program from Potain, is especially useful on Le Albere as 11 of the 13 cranes have overlapping zones of operation. Operators are also controlling lift duties from ground level.

The cranes operate with 37 or 56 kW-powered LVF winches to give optimal lift capability, even when working with only one fall of rope. LVF winches also help with precision when placing loads.

Colombo Costruzioni owns some of the Potain cranes, but most are rented from GB Manci Noleggi, which has been buying Potain cranes for over 20 years. Models on Le Albere include an MDT 98, two MDT 218 A cranes and eight MDT 178 cranes from the topless city range. There is also one MD 208 A and one MD 238 A from Potain's standard top-slewing range

The Le Albere project covers 11 hectares and is located on the site of a former Michelin tire factory. The new development will offer an array of new facilities, including 300 new apartments, 30,000 m2 of offices, shops and hotels, 2,000 underground parking spaces, five hectares of public parks, 30,000 m2 of streets and plazas, and a 22,000 m2 science museum.

Designed by world-renowned Italian architect Renzo Piano, the project incorporates a number of eco-friendly technologies and is rated as one of the most important urban developments in Italy.

Source: Construction & Maintenance