Potains at leisure

Four Potain tower cranes are being used to build the largest hotel and casino complex in the Philippines.

The US$ 200 million Belle Grand Manila Bay leisure resort is in Parañaque City. Main contractor is Megawide Construction. Engr. Edgar Saavedra, Megawide president, said, "This major development will create a world-class, integrated entertainment resort. There is no room for error. The build must proceed with the highest attention to detail, and it must be completed on time."

Megawide purchased two new MC 205 Bs for the job. The 10 tonne capacity crane can have up to 60 m of jib and lift 2.4 tonnes at its jib end. Also on the project is a 12 tonne capacity MC 265 and an older FO/23B. Saavedra said the cranes were chosen for their reliability and the manufacturer's timely customer support.

The cranes are lifting general construction materials in loads up to 5 tonnes. Jibs are from 50 to 70 m and maximum working height of the tallest crane is 60 m.

Due to open in mid-2012, the 15-acre luxury resort is eight 9-story buildings comprising a 1,000-room hotel, a 12,000 square metre casino, 450 serviced apartments, swimming pools, shops, restaurants, theatres and a theme park.