Stafford acquires Soima

Stafford Crane Group founder Patrick Stafford and Soima Cranes founder Manuel Morais

Tower crane specialist Stafford Crane Group (SCG) has acquired Portuguese tower crane manufacturer Soima for an undisclosed sum.

As part of family-owned SCG Soima will now have access to funding, new markets and new sales channels, the company said. Arizona, USA-based SCG will also expand its own tower crane fleet with cranes from Soima.

Patrick Stafford, SCG founder, said, “Soima is a perfect fit for us, as well. Like SCG, Soima is a family-owned and operated company dedicated to providing high quality and efficiency in the global crane industry.”

Manuel Morais, Soima founder, said he is looking forward to a continuation of the Soima legacy. “The Staffords are the right fit to take Soima to the next level,” he said. “They have global experience and are highly focused on growth and customer satisfaction. We know they will help with the evolution of Soima.”

Soima was founded in 1977 and said it has built more than 6,600 tower cranes and sold them around the world. As part of SCG Soima will continue to offer its range of tower cranes for sale. A new model is under development for the US market. The Soima 8041 will be a 32 tonne flat top with 80 metre maximum jib and should be out early next year.

“The new Soima 8041 is a tower crane designed by rental industry professionals,” said Stafford. “It will be offered at a highly competitive price point compared to other cranes in its class. Between its value and SCG’s post-purchase customer service, including our team of experienced technicians and stocked parts, I believe the 8041 will quickly gain significant market share in the United States.”

SCG rents, sells and services tower cranes, wheeled mobile cranes and construction hoists. Other services available include erection and dismantling, training and operator supply.

Look out for ICST’s interview with Patrick Stafford in International Cranes and Specialized Transport magazine.