Streamlined manufacturing delivers better cranes faster to Potain customers in emerging markets

• The Manitowoc Way lean processes were introduced to Zhangjiagang in 2018, driving continuous improvements that ensure safety, enhance quality, increase velocity, and boost customer satisfaction.
• Production capacity at the facility has increased significantly, enabling greater responsiveness to customer demand. During one recent ramp-up, production of the popular Potain MCT 2205 doubled within just three months.

As demand grows for market-leading Potain cranes in emerging markets, Manitowoc is driving expanded manufacturing capacity and enhanced product quality at its factory in Zhangjiagang, China. Production is up significantly since 2018 thanks to multiple initiatives under The Manitowoc Way that improve workflow, productivity, and process control. It means Potain builds more cranes, faster while also advancing quality to ensure the cranes remain the most popular in the world.

Brian Wang, senior vice president of emerging markets, said:

“We introduced The Manitowoc Way to Zhangjiagang in 2018 and since then implemented a range of improvements while guaranteeing the product quality Potain customers expect. When we build tower cranes, our first focus is on safety in our plant, while we simultaneously work to improve manufacturing quality. Alongside this, we’re also working to make commissioning and maintenance simpler. Under The Manitowoc Way, it’s about finding and executing improvements, documenting best practice, and monitoring results. From the shopfloor up, we’ve optimized labor, streamlined processes and leveraged manufacturing to benefit our customers.”

Customers are feeling the improvements through faster lead times for bigger and better tower cranes. For example, production of the high-capacity Potain MCT 2205 doubled within 3-months using lean tools. As demand for this powerful performer grows across the Middle East and Asia, that means faster delivery and higher productivity for customers.

Elsewhere, laser tube-cutting for masts and jibs jumped 20%, while increased investment in robotic technology improved full-penetration welding by 15%. Better tracing of cranes through key manufacturing stages is improving product quality too.

“Since we introduced The Manitowoc Way at Zhangjiagang, the team have completed over 170 manufacturing improvements and documented over 2,000 best-practice examples. Workplace safety, organization, employee-led problem-solving, and process optimization are part of our daily operations. We’re proud of our achievements and always honored to welcome customers to Zhangjiagang to see the advances for themselves,” said Brian Wang.

Into the future, the Zhangjiagang facility will further refine and advance so Manitowoc stays true to its customer-first commitment and its mission to set the standard for lifting innovation.

CONTACT

Lirong Ma    
Digital Marketing Specialist – Emerging Markets
Manitowoc    
T +86 021 64570066
Lirong.Ma@manitowoc.com