Canadian customer GUAY, distributor Cropac explore Tadano facilities, discover new models in Japan

Tadano’s reputation for quality and reliability proves particularly valuable to customers around the world who often deal with harsh weather conditions and challenging job sites. Tadano cranes rise to the occasion in places like Canada, where frigid winters and remote job sites create render some projects very difficult.

Tadano was pleased to welcome Canadian representatives to Japan from two major companies serving the needs of Canada’s extensive crane market. Seven people from GUAY and Cropac Equipment arrived in Japan for a weeklong visit that included factory tours, demonstration of new truck crane GT-1200XL-2, and meetings.

GUAY is a Quebec-based company that rents, handles, and transports the largest fleet of cranes in Canada – over 550 models that include more than 120 rough terrain cranes. GUAY works closely with distributor Cropac Equipment, Inc. to ensure customers have access to the right cranes they need to get their jobs done safely and efficiently across this vast country – often with Tadano models.

Attendees from GUAY included Guillaume Gagnon, Executive Vice President; Jean-François Houde, VP/Operations; Eric Beauvais, Director – Equipments and transport; and Sylvain Duchesne, Principal Director of Asset Management. Cropac Equipment representatives included Bill Finkle, President; Jacques Beaudoin, Senior VP/General Manager; and Michel Lavender, Sales Manager.

They were joined by Tadano America Regional Business Manager Justin Andrews as well as Tadano, Ltd. Mr. Yoshida and Ms. Kadomura from International Sales for much of the trip.

The GUAY and Cropac representatives enjoyed tours of the Shido and Kozai plants to learn about Tadano’s crane production journey along with a variety of presentations, plus an EVOLT exterior inspection. To help illustrate Tadano crane capabilities in extreme cold, they were also treated to a tour of the low-temperature test facility in Shido, where they test cranes at temperatures to -40°C.

During their trip, attendees met Mr. Ujiie, President & CEO of Tadano, Ltd.; Mr. Goda, Director and Managing Executive Officer; Mr. Shirai, Plant Manager at Shido; and several representatives from the R&D and Inspection Departments.

"We used this trip to build stronger relationships and work to convert their other styles of cranes to Tadano," said Mr. Andrews.

During the factory tours, both companies’ members had the opportunity to ask questions throughout. The factories were highly praised for being very clean and for how carefully each part was made.

They reported being most impressed with the precision of parts and components such as cylinders, as well as automation in the plants.

"They were very interested in the truck crane and wanted to see how they are constructed,” Mr. Andrews added. “While all terrain cranes require two operators due to union restrictions in Canada, rough terrain cranes can currently be handled by one operator without any tonnage restrictions, so they were interested in the larger rough terrains. As for the truck cranes, they said they would consider purchasing one based on flexibility in the counterweight configuration.”

The GT-1200XL-2 was presented as one example of a truck crane. With a 110 metric t max capacity, it features a 5-section 167.3’ pinning boom, 33.1 ft / 58.1 ft bi‐fold jib, self-removable counterweight and a compact width of 8.5’. Their plant tour included running and lifting demonstrations to help them understand its capabilities, adaptability to various job sites, and level of operator comfort.

GUAY and Cropac have a productive history with Tadano. Just last year, GUAY took delivery of 19 Tadano Rough Terrain Cranes while touting the support and service from both Tadano and Cropac. GUAY VP Guillaume Gagnon, who participated in an interview right after that delivery, presented photos of the acquired cranes during some of the factory tours and other meetings.

“Feedback on the trip was very positive,” Mr. Andrews said, “It showcased how Tadano develops, constructs, and tests its cranes for utmost quality, safety, and reliability – especially in challenging conditions. Our friends in Canada were able to learn even more on this visit and hopefully, we can further expand our relationship.”

Tadano welcomes opportunities for customers and distributors to experience the facilities in Japan, learn more about our production processes, and understand how Tadano cranes bring value to their business. If you are interested in arranging such a visit, contact your Tadano representative.

• Learn more about GUAY here

• Learn more about Cropac Equipment here

• Watch a video about the GT-1200XL-2 truck crane here