Engineered for Complex Projects: WOLFF Tower Cranes Power VINCI’s Sheffield Forgemasters Project

17.01.2025 | Press Release

The first of two WOLFF 355 Bs Luffing Jib Tower Crane has already been installed at the £138 million Sheffield Forgemasters project, playing an essential role in the construction of a 40-meter-high superstructure for the UK’s largest open-die forging press. The second crane will be  delivered in June 2025, further reinforcing VINCI Building’s commitment to owning the equipment necessary for ongoing success in major construction projects.

Adrian Hawkins, Wolffkran Ltd. Sales Director, said: "As the provider of WOLFF Tower Cranes, we are incredibly proud and privileged to be Vinci Building's chosen supplier. Witnessing the cranes being erected in Sheffield, close to our premises, is a truly magnificent moment for us. Both WOLFF 355 B tower cranes will receive comprehensive service and maintenance from Wolffkran under our maintenance agreement.

We eagerly anticipate collaborating closely with Vinci Building on the Sheffield Forgemasters project and future endeavours where these cranes will play a vital role. We sincerely thank Vinci Building for their confidence in Wolffkran products, and we look forward to building a lasting partnership together."

A Trusted Partnership for Strategic Growth

This partnership began as a rental inquiry, evolving into a strategic investment when VINCI Building recognised the long-term advantages of owning tower cranes. By transitioning from renting to ownership, VINCI Building is not only ensuring operational efficiency but also securing financial benefits that will serve them on multiple projects.

Owning a tower crane offers distinct advantages for companies engaged in recurring or long-term construction projects. If the nature of your projects is similar, or if a crane will be deployed on-site for three or more years, purchasing a crane becomes a smart investment. Ownership reduces reliance on external rental agreements and provides greater flexibility in project planning.

Technical Excellence for Complex Projects

VINCI Building’s choice of the WOLFF 355 B cranes highlights the technical prowess of WOLFFKRAN’s equipment. Manufactured in Germany, these cranes feature:

- Lifting capacity: Up to 28 metric tonnes.

- Specifications: 60-meter jib and a 40.5-meter tower.

- Customisation: Delivered in VINCI’s red, white, and blue colour.

The WOLFF 355 B Luffing Jib tower cranes, ordered by VINCI Building's, are equipped with maintenance-free multi-disk secondary brake on the luffing winch and a 110 kW hoist motor that ensures top speeds even at great heights. Designed for ease of assembly on site, the crane components are cleverly divided into separate latticework sections, keeping the total mounting weight low. Transporting WOLFF 355 B is both cost effective and convenient. The crane’s slewing elements can fit easily on standard trucks, optimising space and reducing transportation costs.

The cranes come equipped with advanced safety and efficiency features, supplied by WOLFF Onsite including:

- BlokCam: Enhances operator awareness with real-time video and audio feeds, improving safety and precision.

- Collision Avoidance System: Prevents accidents by monitoring crane movements and ensuring safe distances between them.

- Enertainer: A battery energy storage system (BESS) that provides exceptional versatility, operating via grid connection or a small generator. With its ability to lower CO₂ emissions, fuel consumption, and noise, the Enertainer is a transformative solution for construction sites prioritising sustainability— a practical step toward a greener future for the industry.

Precision, Craftsmanship, and Certified Excellence: The Wolffkran Production Process

Our production is certified to ISO 9001:2015, ensuring strict adherence to high-quality, standardised manufacturing processes. Manufacturing a WOLFF tower crane takes approximately six weeks, from the first cut of steel to the final inspection. Each stage is meticulously executed to guarantee optimal quality:

1. Steel Cutting: High-grade steel profiles and plates (certified to European Norm in quality classes S355 and S690) are cut to precise specifications.

2. Surface Preparation: Shotblasting ensures an ideal surface for welding.

3. Component Assembly: Steel parts are meticulously fitted to form crucial components like the slew frame and jib sections.

4. Welding: Welding is performed by highly experienced welders and rigorously tested using visual and ultrasonic methods. Our processes meet the stringent EN 1090-2 EXC 3 standards, ensuring maximum safety and structural integrity.

5. Machining and Drilling: Precision machining and drilling prepare components for assembly.

6. Corrosion Protection: Components undergo sandblasting and are coated with a Monolayer Paint System compliant with Corrosion Protection Class C3.

7. Electrical Integration: Drives, cabinets, and other electrical systems are assembled, programmed, and tested.

8. Crane Assembly: The crane is fully assembled and prepared for final testing.

9. Final Inspection: A comprehensive, standardised test ensures the functionality and safety of every component.

"As a specialised manufacturer producing 200+ tower cranes annually, Wolffkran takes pride in its close connection to both its products and customers. Each crane is a product of real craftsmanship, with operators personally invested in maintaining the Wolffkran standard of excellence," commented Ralf-Dieter Koch, COO of Wolffkran.

Investing in Wolffkran: More Than a Purchase - A Partnership

Choosing Wolffkran means selecting a crane that embodies:

- Reliability: Built to perform and endure for decades.

- Exceptional Service: Fast support and spare parts availability throughout the crane’s lifetime.

- Industry Leadership: A benchmark in quality, safety, and longevity.

Wolffkran has been a leader in the crane industry for over 170 years. Operating one of the world’s largest crane rental fleets, Wolffkran is synonymous with excellence, offering lifting solutions that integrate premium design, robust engineering, and comprehensive customer support.

When you invest in a Wolffkran crane, you’re not just purchasing a machine, you’re gaining a trusted partner for your projects, backed by certified excellence and an unwavering commitment to your success.