[Job Story] Eight Potain Cranes at Work to Build Milan’s New CityWave Building

Eight Potain cranes are currently working on the construction of the CityWave building, located in one of Milan’s newest districts, CityLife. The building has Platinum LEED pre-certification and will be the first mixed-use building in Milan with zero environmental impact. CMB and Colombo Costruzioni are working together on the project with a mix of Potain cranes from their fleets. Additionally, CMB purchased a new Potain MDT 319 topless tower crane, while Colombo purchased an MDT 219.

The two companies worked with Manitowoc’s specialist Lift Solutions team to develop a work plan that optimized the construction schedule as the cranes climbed during the project, ensuring maximum productivity and minimal interference between the high density of cranes. Manitowoc’s Lift Solutions team provided the necessary calculations for building anchorage, while the team in Italy handled the fabrication.

“When we looked at crane planning, we weren’t focused as much on lifting capacity as we were on reliability and productivity. Of course, Potain is a world-leading tower crane brand so we were always confident in their performance, so then it became a question of selecting the right models that would work together as the project changed shape while construction advanced. We needed to avoid interference, ensure operational reliability, and maintain optimal coverage of the site – not an easy task.”

said Enzo Macis, jobsite director at CMB.

Two MDT 219 cranes are anchored to the building as they climb and are working with their full jib lengths of 60 m. One of the units will eventually reach a working height of over 120 m. The second will reach a final working height of over 80 m, as will the MDT 319, which is working with a 50 m jib.

“There was strong collaboration between us, CMB, and the Manitowoc Lift Solutions Team. We carefully planned the assembly and disassembly, as well as all climbing and lifting. Fitting a high density of cranes into a limited space is a logistical challenge, but we tailored solutions to fit every aspect of the site thanks to the versatility and advanced design of Potain cranes.”

said Stefano Crespi, project manager at Colombo Costruzioni.

The building’s architecture will comprise a 63,000 m2 office and retail complex featuring two towers joined by a 140 m curved-roof portico, which will stand at 53 m in height once complete and will be covered with photovoltaic panels to create Milan’s largest solar power installation. The cranes will remain on site until the end of construction, helping dismantle equipment before CityWave opens in time for the 2026 Winter Olympic Games.

[Job Story] Eight Potain Cranes at Work to Build Milan’s New CityWave Building published on The HeavyQuip Magazine.