Trimble and Manitowoc Introduce a New Generation of Collision Avoidance Systems for Cranes

Innovation, Technology and Domain Experience Transform the Lifting Industry

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Apr 15, 2013, 06:33 ET

MUNICH, April 15, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Trimble (NASDAQ:TRMB) and Manitowoc Cranes introduced today Manitowoc Falcon—a new generation of collision avoidance solution for cranes. Manitowoc Falcon combines precision GNSS with collision avoidance technology to provide real time, centimeter-level positioning for multiple cranes working on a construction site. The solution enhances crane operator awareness to improve safety and productivity in the construction lifting industry.

The announcement was made today at bauma 2013, the 30^th international fair for construction machinery, building material machines, mining machines, construction vehicles and construction equipment.

Manitowoc Falcon leverages precise positioning technology, wireless communications and comprehensive software capabilities to transform the way cranes and information are managed on a construction site. It combines a GNSS solution from Trimble with a proven anti-collision system from Manitowoc Cranes. Rugged GNSS sensors are mounted on mobile cranes to measure exact coordinates to determine precisely where each part of the crane is located. In the cab, the Manitowoc Cranes' display allows the operator to see obstacles and other cranes that are in close proximity in real time. If unplanned or dangerous activity is detected, alarms will sound and tower crane operation can even be halted.

Manitowoc Falcon provides the ability to avoid potential collisions on the construction site. Congested jobsites are common throughout the world where development is in different stages and numerous cranes and other equipment are moving about the site at the same time. Real-time positioning allows all the cranes to stay in their operating zones, which can increase the efficiency and productivity of the construction site.

"Through our collaboration with Manitowoc Cranes, a lifting industry leader, we have co-developed a solution capable of lifting and delivering materials on congested construction sites," said Dale Hermann, general manager of Trimble's Integrated Technologies Division. "Trimble leverages multiple technologies to provide substantial improvements for the productivity and safety of lifting operations."

"Manitowoc Cranes is committed to providing the most advanced and comprehensive range of lifting solutions in the industry," said Bob Hund, executive vice president, Crane Care for Manitowoc Cranes. "As a result of our collaboration with Trimble, the Manitowoc Falcon will provide innovative crane tools to enable increased operator awareness and enhanced safety in the industry."

About The Manitowoc Company, Inc.

Founded in 1902, The Manitowoc Company, Inc. is a multi-industry, capital goods manufacturer with over 115 manufacturing, distribution, and service facilities in 26 countries. The company is recognized globally as one of the premier innovators and providers of crawler cranes, tower cranes, and mobile cranes for the heavy construction industry, which are complemented by a slate of industry-leading product support services. In addition, Manitowoc is one of the world's leading innovators and manufacturers of commercial foodservice equipment, which includes 24 market-leading brands of hot- and cold-focused equipment. In 2012, Manitowoc's revenues totaled $3.9 billion, with more than half of these revenues generated outside of the United States.

For more information, visit: www.manitowoc.com.

About Trimble

Trimble applies technology to make field and mobile workers in businesses and government significantly more productive. Solutions are focused on applications requiring position or location—including surveying, construction, agriculture, fleet and asset management, public safety and mapping. In addition to utilizing positioning technologies, such as GPS, lasers and optics, Trimble solutions may include software content specific to the needs of the user. Wireless technologies are utilized to deliver the solution to the user and to ensure a tight coupling of the field and the back office. Founded in 1978, Trimble is headquartered in Sunnyvale, Calif.

For more information, visit: www.trimble.com.

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SOURCE Trimble