By Martin Walker
A Newton Aycliffe company has invested £450,000 on a new state-of-the-art crane.
SCH Site Services, based on Aycliffe Business Park in Newton Aycliffe, has received delivery of the new Terex Challenger 3160, manufactured and shipped from Zweibrucken in Germany, boasting the first of its kind operating in the UK.
Terex say the Challenger 3160 is one of the first 55-tonne cranes to boast a 50-metre main boom operating in the UK, giving SCH Site Services a lead in the market.
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SCH undertake structural and secondary steelwork packages inclusive of installation. They moved into new £500,000 premises in October 2011, creating 10 new jobs and boosting its workforce to 32.
Construction Manager Andy Braid said: “The Challenger is a significant investment for SCH Site Services and will enable us to be more versatile on site.
“It allows us to do a lot more in tighter spaces, and it has brilliant lifting capabilities, so we’re expecting to go to the higher market of work.
“The investment will pay off by enabling us to be more self-sufficient by increasing our portfolio of plant and equipment. The last purchase was a Tadano Faun ATF 65G-4 early 2011.
Terex regional sales manager Brian Lang said: “We are delighted to have supplied SCH with their latest crane.
“Not only does it enjoy the benefit of a 50m boom giving it the extra reach necessary for steel erection duties, but it also takes advantage of the latest Intermediate Tier 4 engine, which runs on low sulphur diesel and uses Adblue to reduce nitrous oxide emissions.
“SC is one of the first companies in the UK to take advantage of this environmentally friendly engine.”
Foreman and driver of the new challenger Jeff Lawrence added: “I am excited to have been given the opportunity to be the designated operator of the new crane.
“I have found the new crane steadier and smoother to operate and the increased lifting capabilities far exceed my expectations.”
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