HE recent acquisition of Adelaide-based Brimco Crane Service is the latest move by leading coast-to-coast full service crane rental company National Crane Hire (NCH) to further extend its presence in the industry and expand the services it offers.
With branches in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Darwin, Perth, Adelaide and Hobart, NCH specialises in a range of mobile cranes from crawler cranes to all-terrain and truck cranes, and according to managing director, Vince Vitellone, the company offers the largest range of crawler cranes available in Australia.
National exposure
“The acquisition of Brimco will give us even greater national exposure and further assist the company in providing a one-stop-shop for the benefit of our customers. NCH is in acquisition mode and will be progressively looking to acquire crane yards and companies, especially in other states,” Vitellone told Construction Contractor.
“In particular, our wet hire (crane with driver) service and NCH’s personal relationship with customers will now be further developed in Adelaide. But NCH is not just about crane hire. A complete package is offered to clients including lift studies and management of crane lifts, and the range of services will continue to expand.
“Our current hire fleet consists of 40 cranes including two 600t crawlers, and services such as crane maintenance and sales are provided through our sister company National Crane Service & Repairs. I believe the crane hire business will continue to be buoyant over the next four to five years with a particular emphasis on the bigger end, including large crawlers, because jobs and lifts are getting bigger. This also means that the proper training of operators and attention to OH&S considerations must more than ever be a top priority,” says Vitellone.
Brimco disappears
Brimco’s range of 7t to 225t cranes will now join the NCH fleet along with the associated semi-trailers, low loaders, specialised transporting equipment, and self-loading crane trucks.
NCH’s manager in Adelaide, Robert Brown, has some 30 years experience in the industry and was formerly Brimco manager. He says the Brimco name will now disappear but it is proposed that all Brimco staff will retain their jobs. “The new arrangements will bring significant benefits. For example we now have a 600t crawler available for projects in South Australia, and this crane is now employed on construction of the Port River expressway bridge,” Brown says.
“When planning a large construction project it is important that all issues are clearly identified to prepare a correct and safe method for the required project. NCH can provide this service and supply the correct capacity crane, as well as personnel who are trained and qualified and hold all the required licenses and certifications.
Over-mass loads
“Should transport be required, NCH can also provide this service through its in-house transport division. We are experienced in shifting all types of equipment and specialise in over-dimensional and over-mass loads that require special equipment, permits, pilot vehicles and police escorts. All work is carried out to comply with the requirements of state and local regulatory authorities. We are proud to say we can lift and shift anything,” Brown adds.
National Crane Service & Repairs specialises in general servicing, together with mechanical, electronics and structural repairs for mobile cranes, concrete pumping equipment and elevating work platforms. According to Vince Vitellone, both in-house and on-site maintenance is available as well as mechanical and structural repairs. “Engineering support is provided, the work is certified to Australian crane standards, and the company’s service technicians are very experienced in working with both hydraulic and lattice type boom cranes,” he says.
Source: Construction Contractor
