The newly established Crane Manufacturers Association (CMA) believes that it will foster interaction between industry, government and the private sector to ensure proper delibera- tion on matters pertaining to policy, standards, safety and market intelligence.

“There are so many factors that influence our industry, which require us to be informed and also know how to apply certain policies and changes,” says CMA chairperson Alan O’Hara.

To achieve this, there is a need to form an association that will operate as an industry body, which will encourage companies in the cranes sector to achieve a common quality standard of cranes produced for use in various industries

Therefore, the CMA aims to promote and defend the common interests of its members, promote a positive image of the cranes industry holistically and also facilitate the exchange of relevant information that is in the common interest of its members.

Currently, ten crane manufacturers – Akanani Cranes, AJM Cranes, Demag Cranes & Components, FB Cranes, Konecranes, Morris Cranes, RGM Cranes, Pro Cranes, Condra Cranes and Verlinde Cranes – are members of the association.

O’Hara encourages other companies and individuals to join the association: “We are calling for other companies that are in the sector to join the association, as the more members we have, the more we can have a positive impact on industry in general.”

The CMA is considering the development and standardisation of skills –through training, workshops and seminars – for the long-term benefit of the crane sector.

The association is consulting with the South African Bureau of Standards in terms of the safety regulations and rules that need to be followed in the industry, says O’Hara, who believes that this will create a better understanding of what is expected from crane manufacturers by industry and how to service other sectors accordingly. He also believes that it will assure end-users that they are provided with the highest- quality service at all times.

With the association being modelled on the crane manufacturers association in the US, O’Hara notes there is still a long way to go before the local CMA achieves the milestones in influencing the industry positively, accumulated by the US’s association over more than 40 years of existence, but that it will gain traction as awareness of the association increases.