STURGEON BAY, WI — Lafarge North America is the largest diversified supplier of construction materials in the U.S. and Canada. Lafarge produces and sells cement, ready-mixed concrete, gypsum wallboard, aggregates, asphalt, paving and construction, precast solutions and pipe products. Products are used in residential, commercial and public works construction projects across North America.

To maintain its economic growth and increase production speeds, the Lafarge Calgary Pipe operation searched for the most cost efficient lifting solution for their operation. André Geurts, operations manager at Lafarge Calgary Pipe, explains why the Shuttlelift SB 70 was chosen, “Simply, it was the only one to fit our needs. We were specifically looking for a straight forward single-beam gantry crane that got the job done for less.”

The Shuttlelift single-beam gantry crane increases portability and operational productivity; while decreasing the amount of time it takes to lift completed products and load trucks. “Previously, we had to rent a crane and tandem lift with forklifts to move and lift our products.” With the increased efficiency, Geurts describes, “We are now able to work quicker because we only need one piece of equipment and one operator instead of two cranes and four operators. With the SB 70, the operator can easily rig the load and operate the crane.”

In addition to an increase in productivity and efficiency the Shuttlelift SB Series improves operational safety. “Our cranes provide an increased factor of safety, because there are no load charts to misinterpret. There are also no stability concerns compared with other lifting methods because the weight of the load hangs directly below the crane’s frame,” said Kurt Minten, director of industrial sales at Shuttlelift. “Compare this to the need to determine the maximum safe load for working and traveling speeds and you have saved substantial lifting-time preparation using an SB Series gantry crane.”

The single-beam gantry crane for Lafarge Calgary Pipe was designed to include Shuttlelift’s standard wireless remote control. This allows the operator to stay at a distance from the load and control the machine while visually inspecting its outside parameters. “The wireless remote control is a great asset and was easy for our operator to learn how to use,” mentioned Geurts.

Shuttlelift extended the width and height of the single-beam gantry crane to fit Lafarge Calgary Pipe’s area of operation. “The customization improves our lifting capabilities and business. The crane’s tight turning radius also increases its value for us,” said Geurts.

Lafarge’s single-beam gantry crane also included the enclosed cab option. “It is beneficial during the cold season and provides important backup for the wireless remote control,” added Geurts. For ease, safety and a more efficient operation, Shuttlelift designs the cab control features in the same layout as the remote.

This is the first partnership between Shuttlelift and Lafarge North America and Geurts says, “Everything was top notch.” He continues about the experience, “From Shuttlelift’s professionalism, engineering and the training we received – it was all done well.”

For more information about Shuttlelift and its full range of rubber-tired gantry cranes, email the sales team at sales@shuttlelift.com or visit www.shuttlelift.com.