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CRANES in Action
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CRANES in Action
MOD 50 Spreader Beams lifting wind tunnel for NASA research facility.
PEOPLE
• The Crane Institute of America has appointed L. D. Stutes as its new general manager. Known as a leader in training for heavy-equipment operators, riggers, signalpersons and inspectors, the Crane
Stutes
Institute aims to further its mission with Stutes’ extensive expertise.
Bringing 37 years of experience in business ownership, sales and management— 17 of which were spent in heavy-equipment training— Stutes will focus on enhancing operational effectiveness and adapting to the evolving needs of the heavy-equipment, lifting and construction industries.
In this role, Stutes takes on many operational duties previously managed by founder James Headley, who remains president and CEO.
Modulift to the Moon: Spreader Beams for NASA Research Facility
Modulift, a specialist lifting equipment manufacturer, in collaboration with PSC Crane & Rigging, played a key role in constructing National Aeronautics Space Administration’ s( NASA’ s) new Flight Dynamics Research Facility( FDRF) in Hampton, Virginia.
This 25,000-square-foot facility at NASA’ s Langley Research Center is the first major project of its kind in over 40 years, supporting missions to the Moon, Mars, Venus and Titan( Saturn’ s moon).
At the heart of the facility is a 120-foot vertical wind tunnel, lifted into place by PSC Crane & Rigging using two of Modulift’ s MOD 50 spreader beams in a 4-point lift configuration.
This advanced facility will enhance NASA’ s ability to study airflows around aerospace vehicles, advancing technology for aeronautics, space exploration and scientific missions.
“ What we’ re going to do with this facility is literally change the world,” Clayton Turner, director of NASA Langley Research Centre, said.
“ The humble spirit of our researchers and this effort will allow us to reach for new heights, to reveal the unknown, for the betterment of humankind.”
The new FDRF will replace NASA’ s aging 12-foot low-speed tunnel and vertical spin tunnel, in use since the late 1930s, with a significantly more capable system. The modernized facility will also lower maintenance and operational costs while enabling groundbreaking research into the dynamics of flight.
• Konecranes President and CEO Anders Svensson has decided to leave the company to pursue a new opportunity with another organization. Svensson will remain in his role and actively lead Konecranes
Svensson until his departure on July 19, 2025.
“ Anders has significantly contributed to the success of Konecranes during the past two years, and I want to warmly thank him for that. During his tenure, the company has updated its strategy, clearly improved its results and generated value for its shareholders. I’ m pleased to continue our co-operation for the coming months,” Chairman of the Board Pasi Laine said.
• Cropac Equipment Inc. has promoted Andy Whitehouse to vice president and general manager of its Western Division. With over 30 years of experience in the crane and heavy equipment industry, Whitehouse brings extensive expertise, proven leadership and a commitment to building strong
Whitehouse
relationships with partners and clients. In his new role, Whitehouse will oversee operations in the Western Division, focusing on driving growth, enhancing customer solutions and strengthening the company’ s presence in the region.
• Wilkerson Crane Rental, Inc. has appointed Cody Ward as its new CEO. Ward brings a wealth of experience to the role, having established a strong reputation as an entrepreneurial leader with a passion for the equipment industry.
With a proven track record of driving growth, Ward has led strategic initiatives, mergers and acquisitions at Kirby-Smith Machinery, and successfully executed business turnarounds at Greer. His expertise spans across strategic planning, market expansion and innovation.
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March 2025 • www. cranehotline. com