The MDT 178, which has a maximum capacity of 8t (8.8 US tons), arrived on site in December 2004 to work for main contractor TMB, a subsidiary of construction group Spie Batignolles.
The crane was dismantled in the past few weeks having completed its work, which involved lifting large parts of the project, including the single largest part – the showroom’s steel frame.
The crane also worked installing glass and steel panels directly into the frame, while one of its final tasks was the placement of concrete panels to the rear of the building.
The MDT 178 belongs to rental company, Sofral, based in Jouy-en-Josas, near Paris, France – one of the largest tower crane owners in the world. The company has service facilities and regional branches throughout France, and over 450 cranes in its fleet, 95% of which are Potains.
The MDT 178 offers a maximum jib radius of 60m (197ft) and is able to lift its maximum capacity of 8t (8.8 US tons) out to 14.3m (47ft). It can handle 1.5t (1.7 US tons) at its jib end of 60m (197ft) while maximum height under hook is 67m (220ft).
The Citroën project is actually a renovation based on a design by French architect Manuelle Gautrand. Citroën has owned the building since 1927, but the site has undergone extensive work for its reincarnation as a state-of-the-art car showroom.
The unique modern design covers 1,200m2 (12,917ft2) and will display a variety of Citroën vehicles, including current and past models. The total cost of construction was Eur 11m (US$13m) and the building is now open to the public.