Stafford Crane Group Buys Tower Crane Manufacturer

Patrick Stafford (left) and Soima founder Manuel Morais

Sept. 22, 2021 –Stafford Crane Group (SCG), Phoenix, Arizona, has acquired Portuguese tower crane manufacturer Soima Cranes.

The acquisition gives SCG control over design and production of its tower crane equipment and enables it to take customer service in rental operations to the next level.

“The acquisition of Soima will allow us to provide even better service to our customers in the tower crane rental industry, particularly in terms of competitive pricing and availability of cranes and replacement parts,” said SCG Founder Patrick N. Stafford. “Designing and manufacturing the cranes and parts gives us control of the entire customer experience, which will save our customers money directly on pricing and indirectly by avoiding delays.”

Family owned and operated, SCG rents, sells, and services tower cranes, mobile cranes, and construction hoists. It also offers operator, erection and dismantle, technician and consulting services on projects throughout the world.

According to Soima founder Manuel Morais, SCG is the preferred partner to carry on the Soima legacy. “The Staffords are the right fit to take Soima to the next level,” he said. “They have global experience and are highly focused on growth and customer satisfaction. We know they will help with the evolution of Soima.”

Stafford added, “Soima is a perfect fit for us, as well. Like SCG, Soima is a family-owned and operated company dedicated to providing high quality and efficiency in the global crane industry.”

Founded in 1977, Soima has built more than 6,600 tower cranes which are represented on six continents.

Soima will continue to offer a full range of cranes to the market. Currently, SCG is working with Soima engineers on a new tower crane model specifically for the American market. Upon completion, the Soima 8041 will be a 32-ton flat-top crane with a 262’ jib. It is expected to debut in the U.S. in early 2022.

“The new Soima 8041 is a tower crane designed by rental industry professionals,” said Stafford. “It will be offered at a highly competitive price point compared to other cranes in its class.

Between its value and SCG’s post-purchase customer service, including our team of experienced technicians and stocked parts, I believe the 8041 will quickly gain significant market share in the United States.”