PARTNERING APPROACH ENABLES UK CRANE MAKER
TO WIN NEW EXPORT MARKETS
The UK's largest volume factory crane builder, Street Crane Company, is making significant inroads into the North American market.  Exports of crane component to independent crane builders are at record levels and the company is displacing their international rivals by sharing experience and technology with its trade partners.
	Street's managing director, Andrew Pimblett explained, "We have a more flexible approach than many of our competitors.  Sharing our technology and expertise with other independent crane makers helps them to build and develop their own businesses and creates a mutually beneficial trading relationship."
	The latest success story is O'Brien Installations, based in Stoney Creek, Ontario.  This company has 35 years experience in the crane industry but, as a distributor for an international manufacturer, they were frustrated by the restrictions of the existing sales franchise.  O'Brien's responded positively to an invitation from Street to become exclusive distributors of Street components.
	By working with Street, O'Brien's have been able to develop their own crane manufacturing capability.  They can now supply a complete range of single girder or double girder gantry cranes, semi Goliath's, Goliath's and jib cranes - some up to 150 tonnes.  These use Street's advanced design ZX, NS or TVX series hoists, along with carriages and travelling equipment.
	O'Brien's fabricate all beams, the required painting and electrical engineering.  Design is aided by Street's SC CompuCrane design package which features a database of over 30,000 pre-engineered structures and components.  This software enables O'Brien's to design structures and optimise performance.  Street provide full technical support for their overseas trade partners, including regular visits by both the managing director and senior engineers.
	Street have shown that despite the relative strength of the pound it is possible to compete successfully against international rivals, especially in North America with its strong economy and more consistent exchange rate.  
	"We identified an opportunity to work with overseas producers, selling in not just product, but exploiting our vast knowledge base.  We are building good working relationships with O'Brien's and several other North American producers that adds value for them and creates a true win-win situation for everyone," concluded Andrew Pimblett.

More information: Gus Zona, Street Crane Co Ltd, Tel. +44 (0)1298 812456 Fax. +44 (0)1298 814945,
E-mail: admin@streetcrane.co.uk  Web: www.streetcrane.co.uk