Potain tower cranes sent to historic prison in France

A team of four Potain tower cranes are central to the renovation demolition and construction taking place at a former jail in Lyon France. The inner-city job site which is a protected historic monument is a maze of old and new. Seven buildings are under construction four buildings are being renovated and several others are being demolished.

The historical significance of the project and complicated architecture that dates back to 1825 makes building a new university and mixed-use development in place of the former jail a real challenge. Meticulous planning and careful construction are paramount as Jean-Pierre Chignard at main contract EAB explains.

“This job site requires the utmost care and attention – added to that is the fact we are in the middle of a busy city and working to a tight deadline ” he said. “These Potain cranes are crucial to our success. We have used Potain tower cranes for many years and are confident in their ability to deliver to the high standards we demand. I am pleased to see the project is moving ahead on schedule.”

All of the Potain tower cranes which include top-slewing and self-erecting units were supplied to EAB by long-term Potain partner Valente Assistance.

The Potain cranes are strategically placed around the project giving complete coverage of the 15 000 m2 site. They are working long hours six days a week lifting general construction materials and equipment at the complex job site in varying loads.

Three of the cranes are top-slewing units a 12 t capacity Potain MD 238 A and two 10 t capacity MDT 268 A cranes. The cranes are erected at varying heights of up to 60 m and with their full jibs which extend to up to 67.5 m. The fourth Potain crane on site is a 4 t capacity Igo 50 self-erecting crane which has a 40 m jib.

With visibility of paramount importance at the congested job site the cranes benefit from Potain’s Ultra View cab which gives operators unparalleled views of the scene below.

Once completed in 2017 the development will consist of seven new buildings and four renovated buildings all of which will consist of a new university shops restaurants a library and residential apartments.

Established in 1979 Valente Assistance is a leading tower crane sales and rental company based in Belley near Lyon. The company operates a fleet of 400 Potain tower cranes which it supplies to customers across the Rhône Alpes region.