Manitowoc lifts Potain crane output in China factory

Manitowoc has expanded manufacturing capacity and strengthened quality controls at its Potain factory in Zhangjiagang, China, lifting crane output for emerging markets.

Production at the plant has risen significantly since 2018, when Manitowoc introduced its internal lean manufacturing system, The Manitowoc Way. The programme has focused on workflow, productivity and process control at the site, which makes Potain tower cranes for customers in regions including the Middle East and Asia.

One of the clearest examples came during a recent ramp-up of the Potain MCT 2205. Output of that model doubled within three months as demand grew in emerging markets, according to Manitowoc.

The factory has completed more than 170 manufacturing improvements under the programme, while staff have documented more than 2,000 examples of best practice across the operation.

Changes have included a 20% rise in laser tube-cutting throughput for masts and jibs. Investment in robotic systems also increased full-penetration welding by 15%, while tighter tracking of cranes through key manufacturing stages was introduced to improve product quality.

Brian Wang outlined the company's approach to the Zhangjiagang operation.

"We introduced The Manitowoc Way to Zhangjiagang in 2018 and have since implemented a range of improvements while guaranteeing the product quality Potain customers expect. When we build tower cranes, our first focus is safety in our plant, while we also work to improve manufacturing quality. Alongside this, we're making commissioning and maintenance simpler. Under The Manitowoc Way, it's about finding and executing improvements, documenting best practice, and monitoring results. From the shop floor up, we've optimized labor, streamlined processes and leveraged manufacturing to benefit our customers," said Brian Wang, Senior Vice President of Emerging Markets, Manitowoc.

Factory changes

The Zhangjiagang facility has become a key manufacturing base for Potain cranes sold into faster-growing economies. The latest figures indicate Manitowoc is increasing output without adding complexity to production flow, while also tightening consistency on the factory floor.

For crane manufacturers, shorter lead times can be important in markets where infrastructure, industrial and commercial building projects often move in uneven cycles. A rapid increase in output for one model can help suppliers respond when regional demand shifts quickly.

In this case, the MCT 2205 has been a focus. Manitowoc describes the crane as a high-capacity model, and demand has increased across parts of the Middle East and Asia. By doubling production within three months, the plant was able to respond more quickly to customer orders, according to the company.

The broader effort at Zhangjiagang has centred on daily operating disciplines, including workplace safety, organisation, employee-led problem-solving and process optimisation. The emphasis on documented best practice suggests Manitowoc is seeking to standardise methods across teams as output rises.

Emerging markets

Manitowoc's focus on emerging markets comes as construction equipment manufacturers look for growth outside more mature regions. Tower cranes remain closely tied to urban development, logistics hubs and large-scale building programmes, making delivery times and reliability important factors for buyers.

By increasing throughput at Zhangjiagang, Manitowoc is positioning Potain to serve those customers more quickly. The improvements also point to an effort to reduce production inefficiencies at a time when manufacturers are under pressure to balance cost, output and product standards.

Wang said the programme at the plant has become embedded in day-to-day work.

"Since we introduced The Manitowoc Way at Zhangjiagang, the team has completed more than 170 manufacturing improvements and documented more than 2,000 best-practice examples. Workplace safety, organisation, employee-led problem-solving and process optimisation are part of our daily operations. We're proud of our achievements and always honoured to welcome customers to Zhangjiagang to see the advances for themselves," said Wang.