The contractor usually hires its cranes but has decided to invest in the all-electric technology from WOLFFKRAN of Germany.

The two WOLFF 355 Bs are the first wholly owned by VINCI Building and cost around £2.5m on the £138m project at Sheffield Forgemasters to build a 13,800 sq m building to house the UK’s largest open-die forging facility for the MoD-owned company.

The cranes will be used to construct the press pit foundations – a key element in the works – a 40-metre-high superstructure, erect gantries, chimneys and redistribute materials. The second WOLFF 355 B will be on site in the middle of 2025, and both will be working until early 2026.

Chris Winspear, VINCI Building regional director, said: “These cranes are a first for us – we own them outright and the arrival and set up of the first WOLFF 355 B is a major landmark for Sheffield Forgemasters and particularly for us at VINCI Building.

“It marks an investment in the project and our business. We are optimistic for 2025 and this all-electric crane proves our intent to deliver on major schemes of benefit for the UK economy and to do it in as sustainable a manner as possible. We are grateful to the WOLFFKRAN team for all their assistance in the specification and delivering it to our team.”

Adrian Hawkins, WOLFFKRAN Ltd. Sales Director, said: “We are incredibly proud and privileged to be VINCI Building’s chosen supplier. Witnessing the cranes being erected in Sheffield, is a special moment for us. Both WOLFF 355 B tower cranes will receive comprehensive service and maintenance from WOLFFKRAN under our maintenance agreement for many years to come.

“We eagerly anticipate collaborating closely with VINCI Building on the Sheffield Forgemasters project and future endeavours where these cranes will play a vital role.”