Bigger and Bigger

7 February 2020

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In this issue we cover Barnhart’s acquisition of Viant Crane, a move that will further enhance Barnhart’s presence in the Midwest, where Barnhart already operates a number of branches. This is the second such announcement by the company in less than a year, as it previously entered into an agreement under which it will own the majority of assets of Burkhalter Rigging of Columbus, Mississippi.

Over the past year, another major US crane rental company, Maxim Crane Works has acquired Solley Crane, operating in the Central Tennessee and Northern Alabama regions, as well as B&G Crane – a crane rental and related lift solutions provider servicing the US Gulf Coast region. Since 2018, Maxim has also acquired Shaughnessy & Ahern Crane and Tri-State Crane.

Looking at these examples, it is clear that the US crane market is changing. Bigger players are investing to expand their presence across various states, while the total number of players in the market is—it appears—falling.

Another ownership change that will have an indirect effect on the US crane market is the acquisition of ALE by Mammoet. Although neither is US-headquarterd, they both have a strong presence in the market, having served a number of demanding large-scale projects.

Despite changes within the market, there is something fixed: the US crane industry is going to meet again at this year’s ConExpo, which will be held in Las Vegas between March 10-14, 2020. The crane and special transport manufacturers are preparing their booths, where visitors will see a number of products making their world debut. We have prepared a 30-page(!) ConExpo-preview section, so that you are fully informed about what each company is exhibiting before you go to the show.