The orders include six 200 US ton LR 1160s, four 300 US ton LR 1280s, two 330 US ton LR 1300s, two 115 US ton LR 1100s, one 275 US ton LR 1200 and one 150 US ton LR 1130, and two superlift attachments for either the LR 1280s or the LR 1300. In addition, General Crane already owns a 300 US ton LR 1280 with superlift. All of the machines are coming with main boom, and fixed and luffing jib.
The company has bought the cranes to support existing clients, who are demanding more cranes, and also to support a new venture into industrial applications such as windmill erection, refinery work and power plant construction.
Robertson runs five companies with partner Jason Retterath: General Crane USA, United Crane, Hunter Cranes, Merchant Transport and Cranes and Republic Tower and Hoist, based in Las Vegas, Nevada. The company recently opened new depots in Houston, Texas and Atlanta, Georgia.
Robertson has also hired industry veteran Al Bove, from Anthony Crane, to be vice president and director of crane operations. Bove is a former president of national crane rental firm Maxim. “I wanted someone with integrity, who people respect,” Robertson says.
In 2006, the company placed a $35m (Eur 24m) order for 60 Linden-Comansa tower cranes, and also bought 20 Liebherr all-terrain truck cranes and telescopic-boom crawler cranes. In total, the company has dished out $100m (Eur 68.5m) on cranes in the past two years, Robertson says.
General Crane’s Jim Robertson, centre, flanked by Scott Moreland, Liebherr Nenzing sales vice president, and Wolfgang Herzog, Liebherr Nenzing vice president of sales, south east General Crane’s Jim Robertson, centre, flanked by Scott Moreland and Wolfgang Herzog of Liebherr
