Superior Cranes Inc., is co-hosting the CIC Regional Crane Operator & Rigger qualifier to find the best crane operator in the Southeast on Jan. 17, at the Grand Opening of its new headquarters in Rockingham, N.C.
Joining Superior Cranes in inviting operators to kick off 2015 with an opportunity to be $10,000 richer is M&P Specialty Insurance and Crane Industry Services, which will sponsor the top two operators who win the regional competition and advance to the national championship.
Crane Institute Certification (CIC), Villa Rica, Ga., designed the competition standards for the regional and championship events. It is an independent certifying organization that provides OSHA-recognized, NCCA- and ANSI-accredited certifications for mobile crane operators according to crane type and capacity, as well as rigger and signalperson certifications.
The best two operators from the Southeast qualifier will have a chance to move onto the championship to be held later in 2015, where they can compete against winners of other regional competitions for the grand prize of $10,000.
“This skills competition supports the importance of training and certification in laying a foundation for safe crane operation,” said Amy McElrath, marketing director of M&P Specialty Insurance, West Columbia, S.C. “As an insurance and risk management provider specializing in cranes, rigging, steel erection, and heavy hauling industries, M&P is glad to bring this event to crane operators in the Southeast,” she said.
“Three challenges for crane operators are designed to assess precision and depth perception,” said Cliff Dickinson, president of Crane Industry Services, Villa Rica, Ga., a lift planning and accident prevention consultant that provides training and certification for operators, riggers, and supervisors.
Scoring is weighted 80% on successful completion of the crane course; 20% of the overall score assesses the operator’s knowledge of basic rigging principles, including inspection and selection of appropriate rigging. The rigging portion of the competition is designed by Columbus McKinnon Corp.
Superior Cranes will provide a Link-Belt RTC8090 crane for the event. Registration costs $50 and operators can pre-register online at www.cicert.com/news/compete.
Open House
Superior Cranes, a member of Specialized Carriers & Rigging Association, Associated Builders and Contractors, and Associated General Contractors of America, will open its new headquarters for tours during the all-day event, which includes lunch for contestants and event guests, and fun activities for families.
Situated on 122 acres, Superior’s new 560,000-sq.-ft. facility has 31,000 sq. ft. dedicated to its maintenance shop. “All of our Rockingham-based equipment will now be in one location, on one yard, which allows us to more efficiently serve our customers,” said Joe Everett, president. “Expanded office space gives us room to grow in the future,” he said.
The company began operating out of its previous Rockingham location in 1989, and currently has seven locations in North and South Carolina. Their fleet includes AT cranes up to 1,300-ton capacity, truck cranes rated up to 300 tons, crawler cranes ranging from 110 to 660 tons, as well as gantry systems, carry deck cranes, and RT forklifts. For specialized hauling, the company offers a 75-ton, 13-axle trailer and a hydraulic platform trailer with prime movers capable of hauling more than one million pounds.
Operator Skill Contest Details
Other Upcoming Regional Crane Operator & Rigger Skill Competitions
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