Mantis Cranes, the Irish manufacturer of Self Erecting Tower Cranes (SETC), has teamed up with UK Crane Company R & B Construction Logistics. Mantis announced this week that it has made a 30 per cent investment in the Cambridge based company.

This latest move will see the Irish crane company further extend its foothold in the UK market and broaden its network of strategic market partners in the UK industry. The company already has a presence in the North, North West and South West of the country and this recent development will provide a springboard from which to service the important market in the South East of England.

General Manager at Mantis, Robert Rowlette, said: "We are delighted to have teamed up with R & B and excited about the synergy between the two companies. R & B offer the customer a unique service of added benefit to crane hire; Mantis recognise that and hope to expand this service in the year ahead.

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"This alliance with a dynamic and growing company will be of great benefit to us. Having a presence in the South East of the country will allow us to expand customer service and support in this key market."

R & B is a well-established hire company providing materials handling solutions to the construction industry. The company embraced the concept of the SETC in 2004 having realised the benefits involved.

Commenting on the new joint venture, Harry Rose, Chairman of R & B stated: "The combining of our resources and skills mean that we are now a major player in the SETC market in the UK and will continue to offer a complete material handling solution to the UK construction industry."

Doug Rose, Business Development director said: "We believe that our relationship with Mantis can deliver cost effective and safe solutions to our customers. R & B has grown rapidly since 2004 when we diversified from our core business of housing development and contracting. We saw an opportunity to promote a safe material handling solution, which has been proven on our own sites with the use of SETC. The venture with Mantis will see that continue in the future and moving forward the company will become known as R & B Mantis."

Mantis and R & B believe in focusing on the needs and desires of the client and in the importance of incorporating Health and Safety into the every day activities of business. Given the common views of both these companies there is no doubt that great benefits will emerge from this affiliation.

(JM)