News Release

April 24, 2006

Manitowoc Crane CARE Boosts Training Across EMEA

Manitowoc Crane CARE continues to strengthen its position as the premier customer care brand for lifting equipment in the EMEA (Europe, Middle East, and Africa) region. In particular, its training services continue to grow as increasing numbers of dealers and users capitalize on the industry-leading service Manitowoc Crane CARE provides.

Last year saw a new training center open in Lyon, France, to join the existing Manitowoc Crane CARE training locations in La Clayette, France, (the EMEA training headquarters), and Wilhelmshaven, Germany. Additional training courses are available at Manitowoc Crane Group facilities in Italy, Portugal, and Germany, through locally-based service technicians. This year will see two additional training centers open in France, one close to Paris, the other near Marseille.

Alexandre Chanteclair, training manager at the Manitowoc Crane CARE facility in La Clayette, explained just how popular the courses have become.

“Last year, 1800 people undertook Manitowoc Crane CARE training courses at our EMEA centers, attending over 45,000 hours of instruction,” Chanteclair said. “Our trainees come from all over the world, not just the EMEA region. We run the most comprehensive courses in the business – we can train absolute beginners the essential operating skills in as little as 14 days. We are able to do this by maintaining the best-equipped facilities, using the latest technology, and employing the best personnel.”

New training programs available for 2006 include Potain tower crane technical inspection, Igo 50 erection, and Igo Evolution application training. Spare parts training for distributors has also started, boosting the number of courses available in EMEA to over 60. The most popular courses at present are tower crane operator training (a three week beginner’s course) and tower crane maintenance training. The courses are so popular that Manitowoc Crane CARE is seeing a growing amount of repeat business from dealers and end-users alike. Courses currently take place in English, French, and German.

On-site training is available for certain cranes, products, or locations and tailor-made training sessions are easily arranged. Further plans from Manitowoc Crane CARE for this year include updating e-learning platforms, increased used of computer based training systems, the introduction of a new simulator for Grove’s ECOS and EKS5 electronic control systems, and new training courses at MCG’s regional bases.