Potain's China factory gains ISO certificate

Potain's tower crane factory in Zhangjiagang, China, has had its operational processes validated by the award of ISO 9001:2000 quality assurance certification.

Certifying body was TÜV of Germany.

The Zhangjiagang factory employs more than 250 people and manufactures Potain's range of MC tower cranes sold in China and throughout the Asia Pacific region. Work began on achieving the ISO 9001 certificate in June 2002.

Eric Etchart, executive vice president Asia Pacific, said that ISO certification highlighted the progress made at Zhangjiagang since Potain and its parent company Manitowoc Crane Group took 100 percent ownership in 2001.

"We said when we took over complete ownership of this facility that our objective was to produce tower cranes of superior quality, but which also remained competitive in the market," he said. "This ISO certificate proves that we have the processes in place to carry out those objectives." Etchart also said the company's strategy had been well received by end users: "In addition to increasing our share of the domestic market, the range of MC tower cranes is also finding favour in the surrounding region, with units delivered to Australia, South Korea and Vietnam in recent months. We are confident we can build on what we have achieved and significantly increase the number of MC cranes operating in the Asia Pacific region." Glen Tellock, president of Manitowoc Crane Group, paid tribute to the workforce at the Zhangjiagang facility and said the certification fitted well with Manitowoc Crane Group's global strategy. "I would like to personally congratulate Eric and all the staff at Zhangjiagang on reaching this particular milestone. These past two years have seen great changes at the factory which have only been possible thanks to the hard work of the staff. This ISO certificate also reinforces our global commitment to build the best quality cranes, at a local production facility, and designed specifically for regional markets."