Belgian equipment distributor Belgium Lifting Equipment (BLE) has sold its 500th Potain self-erecting tower crane, a Hup 40-30 to Rocherath based construction company AS Bau.

The four-tonne Hup 40-30 features a three-section telescopic tower/mast to provide a range of hook heights from 25.6 to 30 metres, with a 40-metre jib and a 1,000kg jib tip capacity.

Joining two Potain Igo 32 self-erecting cranes in AS Bau’s fleet, the new crane will be used for structural work and roofing, as well as for the installation of facades, exterior carpentry, and other exterior fittings.

Based in Puurs, Flanders, BLE has been the distributor of Potain and Grove cranes since 2008. It also represents JMG pick & carry cranes, Speed Crane self-erectors and OX Worldwide spreader beams, along with a number of concrete pump manufacturers.

It has a service and spare parts division as well as a rental fleet of around 100 cranes. Following recent successes, the company is moving into new headquarters which are three times the size of its current premises.

Bert Pauwels, BLE sales and marketing manager said: “Unlike in some markets, Belgian contractors like to buy their equipment instead of renting it. Because of this, there is a lot of competition, but importers often stay in their region. By working with five partners throughout Belgium, who transport the machines and provide after-sales service, we have a better footprint and a competitive advantage. There has been a lot of sales activity already this year and the utilisation rate of our rental cranes is great. Here’s to further growth and selling our 1,000th crane!”