SWC Steel Erectors of Preston has introduced a new Liebherr crane to its fleet, marking a significant expansion.
- The new addition, a Liebherr LTR 1100, is a telescopic-boom crawler crane enhancing operational efficiency.
- Deployed at the £1bn Shotton Paper Mill redevelopment, the crane showcases its versatility in steel handling.
- Managing Director Ben Lee highlights the crane’s benefits in complementing existing mobile units.
- Future plans include further fleet expansion with Liebherr cranes, reflecting strategic growth.
The Preston-based SWC Steel Erectors has recently expanded its operational capacity by acquiring a new Liebherr LTR 1100 telescopic-boom crawler crane. This marks the company’s first venture into crawler cranes, signifying a strategic development in its equipment portfolio. Following the commission and familiarisation phase, the crane was swiftly put to work at the significant £1 billion redevelopment project of the Shotton Paper Mill in Deeside, North Wales.
Initially, the crane’s role involved managing steel logistics in the holding yard, where it efficiently executed its pick-and-carry duties by moving eight-tonne steel columns. This deployment not only emphasised its capability in seamless on-site transportation but also demonstrated its operational efficacy in environments that typically demand multiple crane units.
The LTR 1100, boasting a 52-metre telescopic boom, can be extended to suit various operational requirements. The boom’s flexibility is further enhanced by supplementary jibs, including a 2.9-metre assembly jib and a 10.8 to 19-metre double swing-away fly jib, broadening its scope and adaptability on site. After fulfilling initial logistical tasks, the crane has been actively engaged in the core activity of steel erection, underscoring its utility in complex construction tasks.
Ben Lee, Managing Director of SWC Steel Erectors, expressed enthusiasm about the new addition, articulating that the crane delivers impressive features, especially in transportability and operational performance during setups. He noted, ‘The pick-and-carry capabilities enable the crawler crane to work where two mobile cranes normally would.’ This efficiency potentially reduces manpower and increases project management effectiveness.
Looking forward, SWC Steel Erectors has plans to further expand its crane fleet with additional units from Liebherr. This strategic decision aligns with the company’s ambition to diversify its operational sectors and enhance service offerings, demonstrating a commitment to adapting and scaling to meet the evolving demands of the construction industry.
The addition of the Liebherr LTR 1100 crane marks a pivotal expansion phase for SWC Steel Erectors, aligning with its strategic growth objectives.
