Manitowoc Cranes is a division of The Manitowoc Company, Inc. Manitowoc Cranes produces five brands of cranes: Grove, National Crane, Shuttlelift, Manitowoc, and Potain. In addition, Manitowoc has two distribution businesses based in the U.S.: Aspen Equipment and MGX Equipment Services (formerly H&E Equipment Services' crane business).
History
Manitowoc Cranes began as a business venture by Charles West and Elias Gunnell. At the time, they headed the Manitowoc Dry Dock Company, now The Manitowoc Company, Inc. After World War I, The Manitowoc Shipbuilding Company was looking to diversify their business.[1]
After observing the Moore Speedcrane, manufactured in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Charles West thought cranes were a way to expand the business and use his shipyard's machine shops. In 1925, The Moore Speedcrane Company was in debt, and Charles West was willing to help them build cranes to help provide cash for the struggling company. All patents were signed over to Manitowoc as a liability; however, they would not sell any machines under the Manitowoc name.[1]