Alternative for cranes

Apr 30 2008 Evening Gazette

A MIDDLESBROUGH plant hire firm is heading into foreign high-rise markets with an alternative to tower cranes.

XenaSystems said it was in discussions with potential partners “in India and a major US city” over its Loadswift materials handling system. The firm is also targeting markets in Europe.

It claims the product, which is pending patent, can save up to 80% of man hours and 50% in costs over a tower crane loading process.

Loadswift’s cantilever crane can lift 2.5t over 120m at a speed of 30m per minute, while a set of rolling, material handling platforms can handle most loads.

CEO John Fuller said: “Tower cranes can be expensive to run, difficult to move and are often highly utilised, which causes delays in the fit out phase of construction projects. Loadswift can complete the loading process much quicker.”

The company received funding from the Royal Bank of Scotland of around £50,000-60,000 per sale or lease of each Loadswift system.