French Potain dealer Grues et Matériels Côte d’Azur (GMCA) is using two Potain MDT 269 cranes, an MDT 319, an MDT 219, on a construction site in Southern France. The four tower cranes will soon be joined by a fifth: an MDT 109.
The tower cranes are being used to help build Canebiers-Villette, an eco-district under development in Cagnes-sur-Mer, in the south of France. The project began last year and is transforming the area into a modern, sustainable urban space combining residential, commercial, and community facilities.
According to Manitowoc the Potain cranes were selected for their strong performance in fast-paced applications and their ability to operate efficiently in tight spaces with multiple cranes on site.
Their topless design has enabled structural specialist Da Mota Construction to optimise hook heights within a limited vertical space, minimising the mast sections required for each crane and simplifying transport and installation.
One MDT 269 has a 31 m hook height and a 65 m jib; and working above it is an MDT 219 at 36 m height with a 55 m jib. The other MDT 269 is at 46 m with a 55 m jib, and the MDT 319 is at 56 m height with a 65 m jib. This unit also features a Potain Cab-IN operator lift.
“The site organisation, the positioning of the cranes, and their reliability and productivity allow us to meet the tight schedule,” said Xavier Bochet, director of GMCA. “The structural work is progressing at the desired pace, to the great satisfaction of the customer.”
All cranes have Manitowoc’s Crane Control System (CCS), and Potain’s Connect telematics, for real-time monitoring and remote diagnostics. In addition to the Cab-IN lift on the MDT 319, the other cranes also have operator lifts to improve access and jobsite efficiency.
Long-standing Potain partner GMCA is a joint venture between Riviera Montage and Pistachi, two well-known companies on the Côte d’Azur, with an excellent reputation. GMCA operates more than 180 tower cranes, the majority of them from Potain, and provides a full range of customer support services, backed by Potain’s extensive offerings. Its experienced team supports complex, high-profile projects across the region.
Once completed, the Canebiers-Villette eco-district will feature 485 housing units, offices, restaurants, shops, parking, and extensive green areas to promote sustainable urban living. The development incorporates multiple environmentally friendly features, including low-carbon concrete to reduce CO² emissions by 8,500 t; renewable energy systems covering 60% of heating and cooling needs; and grey water reuse for irrigation. In addition, there will be 850 m² of solar panels, and more than 5,300 m² of roof area will be vegetated.
