As Number One for Lifting Solutions and with over 25 years of experience, GGR Group were recently selected for a glass installation in Manchester City Centre. With the long-running project on a front-facing building on Manchester’s busiest retail street nearing an end, it was our innovative products that saw it completed on time with the help of our efficient team.

GF42 Pick and Carry Crane and P11104 Glass Vacuum Lifter before a lift.

Given the limited available storage space on site and the imminent arrival of the glazing screens, GGR faced significant pressure to install them efficiently and within the 24-hour timescale stipulated. Adding to the complexity, the site posed several challenges, including limited setup space, a 9-metre installation height, a narrow recess only 1.4 metres wide by 2.4 metres deep, and the added risk of two air conditioning units that needed to be avoided within the recess. Manoeuvring the 3.5-metre-long and 1.2-metre-wide glass unit into the narrow recess while ensuring the safety of the installation team presented additional difficulty.

After surveying the project, GGR Group tailored a Lift Plan that included two of our specialised Mini Cranes – a UNIC URW-095 Mini Spider Crane, a GF42 Pick and Carry Crane, and a P11104 Glass Vacuum Lifter were the chosen combination for success.

The URW-095 and GF42 from our innovative product range proved to be the perfect solution for the project. The URW-095 provided the necessary reach for the tallest glass unit, while the GF42’s manoeuvrability allowed it to reach the awkward angle of the recessed panel. Additionally, the P11104 with a maximum capacity of 320kg, 180-degree rotation and 90-degree tilt was an ideal choice for handling all glazing units, including the recessed unit.

Our P11104 made the installation of the glass effortless and secure thanks to its secondary safety dual vacuum circuits to hold the glass in place. The lifter’s flexibility in configuration and overall capacity made it an ideal choice for switching between three different glass units. The URW095 Mini Spider Crane, with its small but powerful design, was able to navigate through narrow side streets and access tight set-up areas using its variable angle outriggers and minimal footprint. The GF42, although slightly larger than the URW095, was able to manoeuvre with ease in the tight spaces thanks to its 180-degree hydraulic steering and radio remote control. This crane was positioned effortlessly to install the challenging recessed unit making light work of this awkward lift.

GF42 Pick and Carry Crane and P11104 Glass Vacuum Lifter ready to lift 3.5m glazing.

Thanks to the specialised features of the products, the work was safely and efficiently installed, preventing any delays in project completion and keeping the public safe on this busy high street location. GGR Group’s Team, who are highly trained and have CPCS and RTITB Accredited qualifications, worked alongside the installation team to overcome the obstacles they encountered during the lift, resulting in the successful and safe completion of the lifts.

For more information on the full range of products and services offered by GGR Group, please speak with your account manager or contact us here.