A Shared Vision for Vertical Growth With Falcon and Potain

30 Second Takeaway

Falcon Cranes has rapidly evolved from a small Queensland tower crane operator into one of the state’s fastest-growing crane providers, driven by long-term planning and a close partnership with Potain. By expanding into high-capacity topless and luffing tower cranes supported by Manitowoc’s technical expertise and financing Falcon is well positioned to meet growing demand for taller buildings on tighter urban sites across Queensland.

Growth Built on Partnership

Since launching in 2016, Falcon Cranes has grown steadily by focusing on reliability, relationships, and responding to customer needs. Central to that growth has been its partnership with Potain, one of the world’s leading tower crane manufacturers under the Manitowoc brand.

Falcon Cranes Managing Director Alex Macklin said the partnership developed at a pivotal point in the company’s journey.

“When we started taking on larger, more complex projects, it became clear that aligning with a trusted, international manufacturer made sense,” Macklin said.

“Potain has always been known for quality, and with a strong local presence, great parts support, and people like Billy Rumble who I’ve worked with for over a decade it was the obvious choice.”

Meeting the Challenges of Urban Construction

Falcon has progressively expanded its fleet from smaller hammerhead and flat-top cranes into Potain’s latest topless and luffing models, enabling the company to support increasingly complex projects across Queensland.

“The sites are getting smaller, and the buildings are getting taller,” Macklin explained.

“Potain really listened to what was happening in the market. Their airspace-friendly designs mean you can put a crane right in the centre of a 20-metre-wide site and not oversail the neighbours. That’s a big deal for our clients.”

One of Falcon’s newest additions is a 25-tonne Potain MCR305A, offering a 60-metre jib with an out-of-service radius of just 9.5 metres, making it well suited for constrained city sites.

Manufacturer Collaboration

For Manitowoc, Falcon’s growth reflects broader changes in Australia’s construction landscape.

“Once Billy and our Zhangjiagang factory started developing cranes tailored to Australian requirements, Alex became a key partner,” said John Stewart, General Manager of Manitowoc Australia.

“He’s got the energy, focus, and customer-first mindset that align perfectly with how we like to work. Supporting his growth also helps us grow and that’s the kind of partnership we value most.”

Stewart highlighted Falcon’s collaborative approach as a differentiator.

“Alex isn’t trying to own every crane himself he’s helping his customers get cranes, manage them efficiently, and build confidence in the product. That kind of customer focus makes it win-win for everyone.”

Feedback Driving Product Development

Drawing on his background as an electrician and crane technician, Macklin plays an active role in providing field feedback to Potain.

“From an R&D perspective, we’re always looking to make small improvements that make life easier for operators and site managers,” he said. “If I can help improve the product, it benefits my customers and strengthens the Potain brand in the market.”

That philosophy also extends to Falcon’s own innovations. The company recently launched Falcon Fabrication, supplying custom steel grillages and crane foundations for tight city sites complementing Potain’s modular crane designs.

Backed by Manitowoc Finance

Access to capital has been another key enabler of Falcon’s growth, with Manitowoc Finance playing a central role.

“Traditional banks tend to look through the rearview mirror,” Macklin said. “With Manitowoc Finance, they can see the work we’ve got and the pipeline ahead. We wouldn’t be where we are today without that support.”

Stewart described the relationship as a “triple win” for Falcon, Potain, and Manitowoc Finance, enabling cranes to reach more projects across Australia.

Expanding Through Total Equipment Sales

Through Total Equipment Sales (TES), established in 2020, Macklin has extended Falcon’s expertise into crane sales and lifecycle support. TES supplies Potain cranes to builders and developers while managing commissioning, servicing, and storage between projects.

“It helps clients who are ready to invest in their own cranes but still need ongoing support,” Macklin said. “We keep everything consistent quipment, people, and standards.”

Looking Ahead

With Queensland’s construction pipeline extending toward the 2032 Olympics, Falcon Cranes is positioned to continue its upward trajectory.

“We’ve grown alongside our clients,” Macklin said.

“They’ve trusted us from four-storey builds to 25-storey towers and we’ve been able to support them with newer, smarter cranes each step of the way. Partnering with Potain has made that possible.”

About Falcon Cranes

Falcon Cranes is a Queensland-based tower crane specialist delivering lifting solutions for commercial, residential, and mixed-use developments across Australia. Founded in 2016, the company has grown rapidly by focusing on long-term partnerships, technical competence, and a customer-first mindset.

Operating a modern fleet of flat-top, topless, and luffing jib tower cranes, Falcon Cranes is particularly well positioned to support dense urban construction, where airspace restrictions, tight footprints, and complex logistics demand carefully engineered crane solutions. The company works closely with builders, developers, and project teams from early planning through to dismantle, ensuring cranes are selected, positioned, and operated to maximise efficiency and minimise risk.

Beyond crane hire, Falcon has expanded its offering to include Falcon Fabrication, which provides custom steel grillages and crane foundations for challenging inner-city sites, and Total Equipment Sales (TES), supplying new Potain cranes with full lifecycle support. This integrated approach allows Falcon to support projects from concept to completion, while maintaining consistency across equipment, personnel, and standards.

With Queensland’s construction pipeline continuing to grow, Falcon Cranes remains focused on scaling responsibly investing in advanced equipment, skilled people, and partnerships that enable safe, reliable vertical construction.

🔗 Visit Falcon Cranes: https://www.falconcranes.com.au

About Potain

Potain, a brand of Manitowoc, is one of the world’s most established and respected manufacturers of tower cranes, with a heritage spanning more than 90 years. Headquartered in France and supported by Manitowoc’s global manufacturing and service network, Potain designs and delivers cranes for some of the world’s most demanding construction environments.

Potain’s portfolio includes flat-top, topless, and luffing jib cranes, renowned for their airspace-efficient designs, modular construction, and high-performance hoisting systems. These characteristics make Potain cranes particularly well suited to high-density urban projects, where oversailing restrictions, minimal out-of-service radii, and fast erection times are critical.

In Australia, Potain works closely with local partners to tailor crane configurations to regional requirements, supported by strong parts availability, technical support, and operator-focused design improvements. Continuous feedback from contractors and crane owners including partners like Falcon Cranes —plays an active role in refining product development and ensuring cranes meet real-world site demands.

Backed by Manitowoc’s engineering expertise and financial services, Potain continues to play a key role in shaping skylines worldwide through safe, efficient, and innovative lifting solutions.

🔗 Visit Potain: https://www.manitowoc.com/potain

Frequently Asked Questions

Why has Falcon expanded into topless and luffing cranes?

To meet growing demand for taller buildings on tighter sites where oversailing and airspace restrictions are critical considerations.

What is the MCR305A used for?

The Potain MCR305A is well suited for high-rise urban projects requiring high capacity with a compact out-of-service radius.

How does Manitowoc Finance support Falcon’s growth?

By offering tailored finance solutions aligned with project pipelines rather than historical balance sheets.

What is Falcon Fabrication?

Falcon Fabrication provides custom steel grillages and crane foundations for constrained urban sites.