Crane Hot Line June 2024 | Page 8

AUTAA elevates hospital expansion with Grove crane.

French Lifting Company Uses Grove Crane for Hospital Expansion Project

AUTAA, a French lifting company under the esteemed Charles André Group( GCA), has unveiled its latest asset— the formidable 300-ton GMK6300L-1 all-terrain crane— for a pivotal hospital extension project in France.

This state-of-the-art crane, boasting a 74.5-ton counterweight, is primed to lift prefabricated modules as part of the hospital’ s expansion endeavor. Its compact design and minimal noise operation have already made a significant impact, ensuring seamless progress at the hospital site amidst ongoing construction.

Deployed by AUTAA Ile de France, a division of GCA Exceptional Lifting and Transport, the GMK6300L-1 was dispatched to Saint Camille Hospital in Bry-sur-Marne, just east of Paris. Tasked with assembling 21 modules, including one weighing a substantial 21 tons, the crane’ s precision positioning capabilities at a 32-meter radius contribute to the smooth expansion of the medical facility.

“ We are very impressed with our new GMK6300L-1; the crane was compact enough to fit in the limited space on the jobsite, ensuring minimal disruption to hospital operations and allowing the ambulance traffic to continue uninterrupted throughout the work. Additionally, because the GMK6300L-1 has two engines including a smaller one in the superstructure, noise levels were kept to a minimum. It’ s a crane that checks all the boxes,” said Eric Grimaldi, managing director of GCA Exceptional Lifting and Transport.

PEOPLE

• Atlas Crane Service LLC named Charles Kent as its new chief executive. The Aurora, Illinoisbased provider of crane, rigging and heavy haul services, appointed Kent,

Charles Kent who has been serving as chief operating officer with the company since 2022 and succeeds founder Zachary Prentis, who will remain with the company as a member of its board of directors.

“ In working with Charles, I have had the privilege of witnessing his deep knowledge and passion for our industry, in addition to his focus on a culture of operational excellence,” Prentis said in a statement.

Kent has been instrumental in shaping and implementing Atlas’ growth strategy by adding 20 new cranes to its fleet. The company said his focus will remain on executing national expansion initiatives in both the renewable energy and traditional crane sectors.

• Liebherr USA, Co. has announced the appointment of Alexandra Hobgood as the general manager of corporate responsibility and sustainability. In this role, Hobgood will oversee sustainability initiatives across Liebherr’ s U. S. locations, focusing on educating stakeholders, implementing new processes and enhancing existing programs.

Alexandra Hobgood

Hobgood holds a bachelor’ s degree in biology and a master’ s degree in environmental science from Christopher Newport University. Her career began at the Hampton Roads Sanitation District, where she conducted lab work and water testing. She then transitioned to the Virginia Aquarium, where she developed program management skills by implementing safety and environmental initiatives.

As the new general manager, Hobgood is eager to further develop Liebherr’ s sustainability program. Potential initiatives include redirecting waste streams, diverting organics to composting, and conducting energy studies.

• Unirope Ltd., a specialist in wire rope and rigging products, has announced the election of its President, Justin Brown, to the management board of the International

Justin Brown

Organization for the Study of Ropes( OIPEEC).

OIPEEC is a global association dedicated to advancing the understanding of wire and fiber ropes, boasting a diverse membership including scientists, experts, manufacturers, and users. Their focus spans various applications such as elevators, cranes, and industrial ropes.

Justin Brown has been actively involved with OIPEEC since February 2023 as a co-opted member and has now been elected as a full member during the recent OIPEEC conference held in Bardolino, Italy, in April. Joining him on the board are industry stalwarts Amy Jenkins of Teijin Aramid, and Prof. Dr. Ing. Ulrich Briem of OTH Regensburg. The reshuffle also sees Sven Winter of Rotec GmbH taking on the presidency role.

8 CRANE HOT LINE ® June 2024 • www. cranehotline. com