Large Hydroelectric Powerhouse Project in Guatemala Requires Overhead Crane and Contractor Seeks North American Industries to Design and Manufacture the System

March 2009 -The $226.8 million 94 MW hydroelectric project in Central America, referred to as Hidro Xacbal Project, is expected to help protect Guatemala’s electricity market by softening effects of rising combustible fuel costs. After the anticipated completion in 2010, the new hydroelectric plant could produce a significant amount of the country’s electricity. A 100 metric ton double girder bridge crane with a 25 ton auxiliary hoist is required as part of the project for installation and maintenance of the facility. The crane is designed to pick up major equipment and move the loads to the powerhouse erection area as well as load or unload trucks with the largest piece of turbine generator equipment.

One of the main contractors responsible for the hydroelectric project is an Israeli headquartered construction company who sought North American Industries to design, manufacture, install and test the crane system. North American Industries engineers designed the bridge crane with a catwalk and NEMA 4 watertight enclosures. The crane installation crew has allotted 18 days for erecting the complex crane system.

North American Industries is a leading manufacturer of industrial overhead cranes including bridge cranes, gantry cranes, monorails, jib cranes, and custom-engineered systems. The company has been manufacturing competitively priced industrial cranes for military and municipal projects as well multibillion dollar private global corporations for over 40 years. North American Industries is a member of the CMAA (Crane Manufacturers Association of America) and the company’s crane designs are frequently featured in HOIST magazine.