Category Archive: Industry News

Stacking Lockheed Martin’s Orion Crew Module for NASA

For many years now, American Crane & Equipment Corporation has been lifting some of the most mission-critical materials in the world. But recently, we extended our reach to mission-critical materials that are out-of-this world, too.

Lifting the Orion Crew Module – photo credit to NASA

For many years now, American Crane & Equipment Corporation has been lifting some of the most mission-critical materials in the world. But recently, we extended our reach to mission-critical materials that are out-of-this world, too.

This summer, our 25 ton double girder clean room crane (with single failure-proof hoist) was entrusted with the important job of lifting Lockheed Martin’s Orion crew module and fitting it atop their service module. This particular crane was ideally suited for the job thanks to its micro speed movements, which allowed for precision in this delicate operation.

The unmanned Orion space capsule will be launched on a Delta IV Heavy Rocket later this year, traveling 3,600 miles beyond low-Earth orbit. The mission will be a quick test flight that returns the same day, and will help ensure that future flights will be safe for a crew.

Orion is NASA’s first spacecraft designed for long-term, manned space exploration. The goal is to bring humans safely to asteroids, the moon, and eventually Mars. The capsule represents major strides in aerospace exploration technology, and American Crane is proud of our role in bringing these future missions into fruition. Our 25 ton double girder clean room crane is perfect for these types of projects thanks to a combination of self-locking fasteners, runway conductor bars enclosed in plastic housing, a debris shield on the lower block, and kick-plates that run across all the walkways, capturing dirt and debris.

For more information about our work with Lockheed Martin and other major aerospace companies, feel free to call us at 1.877.877.6778 or visit our Contact Us page to find the appropriate person for your query. We look forward to speaking with you.

A Look at What’s Driving Growth and Optimism in the Construction Sector

According to a Wells Fargo Construction Industry Forecast for 2014, optimism in the construction sector has risen to an all-time high this year. This is a major achievement considering the industry hit an all-time low just a few years ago in 2009.

Survey respondents polled for the Forecast cited “economic uncertainty” and “political uncertainty” as their main concerns for the industry, with the threat of rising interest rates and new regulations posing a possible risk as well. Overall, however, respondents were optimistic about the improving economic situation, anticipating growth for the construction industry.

According to additional information gathered by Reed Construction Data, infrastructure development is also getting a boost thanks to the expansion of other industries such as health care, higher education, leisure and travel, and more. With new initiatives like the Affordable Care Act, the increasing demand for more health care facilities is already evident as Urgent Care centers spring up across the country. And in Florida in particular, the state is seeing a strong tourism industry driving the need for more multi-dwelling buildings such as hotels. There is also a noted rise in demand for multifamily housing in residential areas – which is a trend being experienced in Florida, as well as the rest of the country.

With all of this data at hand, it’s clear to see that there is a growing need for construction companies and professionals as the economy continues to pick up. We also expect to see a rise in construction equipment sales to accommodate the growing sector. American Crane has a wide variety of products to serve construction contractors. For more information, please visit us online to learn more.