ALE in North America

As part of a strategic move to enter the civils market in North America, UK-headquartered heavy lift and transportation specialist ALE has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with North American crane service business Specialized Hoisting Solutions (SHS) for them to work together. SHS is a division of hoisting and rigging specialist Rebel Trucking and Rigging.

According to ALE, the MOU means the two companies will work together and use their crane fleets and project management services to provide strategic solutions. ALE’s Lightweight Service Crane will play a key part. The modular crane was launched in 2016 and can be assembled by hand from component parts small enough to fit into a service elevator. This means it can be used for lifting operations where space is limited and access is difficult, such as roofs of high-rise city centre buildings. According to ALE, it is a more flexible solution to heavier cranes currently operating in some major cities in North America. 

Richard Verhoeff, sales manager for ALE, commented, “We have already been approached by clients in the USA looking for flexible and lightweight lifting solutions for exchange projects, such as air conditioning units, on high-rise buildings. By joining forces with SHS, we can focus on the civils market by optimising their local expertise with our unique Lightweight Service Crane and so introduce our business model to the United States’ high-rise market. This agreement sets us apart and shows our dedication to find suitable safe and cost-effective solutions for our clients in the American civils sector.”

Jeff Mottola, managing partner at Rebel Trucking & Rigging, explained the benefits for local clients, “We are already familiar with the local processes and permitting in New York City. Where we will provide the contracts to help facilitate work using the Lightweight Service Crane, ALE’s engineers can provide the necessary rigging and hoisting solutions for our clients. We are already discussing these opportunities with clients, such as the replacement of building maintenance units and electromechanical equipment as well as pedestal curtain walls.”