The History of the Franna Crane in Brisbane

Posted June 11, 2024

At Mighty Cranes, our dedication to providing excellence in our crane hire services is matched by our admiration for the engineering marvels we operate. One such marvel is the Franna crane, a versatile and robust pick-and-carry crane that has become synonymous with efficiency and reliability in the lifting industry. In this post, we delve into the rich history of the Franna crane, exploring its evolution from a groundbreaking concept to a cornerstone of modern crane operations.

Brisbane Births a Game-Changer: The Franna Crane

The story of the Franna crane begins in 1980 in Brisbane, Australia, with engineer Dave Francis Lee. Driven by a vision to create a high-speed pick-and-carry crane, Lee developed a prototype that would revolutionise the industry. This innovative crane was designed to combine the manoeuvrability of a forklift with the lifting capacity of a crane, offering unparalleled versatility on job sites.

The Formation of Franna Cranes Pty Ltd

In 1986, the burgeoning potential of Lee’s invention caught the attention of Brian Haines and Lou Perrilyn. Recognising the crane’s transformative capabilities, Haines and Perrilyn purchased the business from Lee, establishing Franna Cranes Pty Ltd. This marked the beginning of a new era in crane manufacturing, with the company setting up operations in Brisbane to produce high-speed pick-and-carry cranes.

Rapid Growth and Industry Impact

The Franna crane quickly gained popularity across Australia. Its ability to navigate tight spaces and transport heavy loads without the need for outriggers made it an invaluable asset in various industries, from construction and mining to logistics and infrastructure projects. The crane’s success was further bolstered by its robust design, reliability, and ease of operation, which endeared it to operators and project managers alike.

Terex Acquisition and Expansion

In 1999, the global industrial giant Terex Corporation recognised the immense value of Franna cranes and acquired Franna Cranes Pty Ltd. This acquisition marked the beginning of a new chapter, as Terex leveraged its extensive resources to expand the reach and capabilities of Franna cranes. The Brisbane facility became a central hub for manufacturing, service support, and spare parts, ensuring that the high standards set by the original founders were maintained and enhanced.

Commitment to Quality and Innovation

Under Terex’s stewardship, the legacy of quality and innovation established by Franna continued to flourish. The Brisbane facility, spanning 19,000 square metres, is equipped with state-of-the-art production halls, spare parts facilities, and service areas. As an ISO 9001 quality-assured business, Terex implements rigorous quality checks at every stage of production, from sourcing parts to final assembly and testing.

Safety and Customer Satisfaction

Safety has always been a cornerstone of the Franna crane philosophy. The Brisbane facility boasts an impressive safety record, reflecting Terex’s commitment to ensuring a safe working environment for employees and customers. The company’s motto, “Work Safe, Home Safe,” underscores the importance of safety in every aspect of operations.

Customer satisfaction remains at the heart of Franna’s success. Terex’s product support team is available 24/7, providing customers with the assistance they need to operate and maintain their cranes effectively. Each new crane delivery includes a comprehensive familiarisation session, ensuring customers are well-equipped to maximise the crane’s capabilities.

Looking Ahead

Today, the Franna crane stands as a testament to the power of innovation and the enduring legacy of its founders. From its humble beginnings in Brisbane to its status as a global industry leader, the Franna crane continues to set the standard for pick-and-carry cranes worldwide. At Mighty Cranes, we are proud to operate Franna cranes, knowing they are crafted with precision, care, and a commitment to excellence that spans decades.

As we look to the future, we remain dedicated to upholding the values that have made Franna cranes a trusted name in the industry. Whether you’re embarking on a major construction project or need reliable lifting solutions, you can count on Mighty Cranes and our fleet of Franna cranes to get the job done safely and efficiently.

For more information about our crane services in Brisbane, feel free to contact us at Mighty Cranes. We’re here to help with all your lifting needs!