Family-Led Engineering Focuses on Safety at Portsmouth Tower Crane Site
30 Second Takeaway
Crane Tech Solutions is reinforcing the role of safety-driven engineering in tower crane design, with a family-led approach that prioritises operator and ground crew protection over shortcuts or cost-driven compromises.
Crane Tech Solutions Safety-First Tower Crane Design
A recent visit to a Portsmouth tower crane site has highlighted the safety-led engineering philosophy that underpins Crane Tech Solutions, a family-owned business with deep roots in tower crane design.
According to the Kohler family, the crane on site reflects a design approach shaped not just by lifting performance, but by a clear focus on the people who work beneath and within the machine every day.
Engineering with People in Mind
The tower crane design traces back to Manfred Kohler, whose original concept placed safety at the centre of every engineering decision.
His sons, Robert and Mike Kohler, say that seeing the crane operating in the field reinforces a long-held belief: that the most effective engineering often goes unnoticed until it prevents an incident.
From mast stability to cab layout and operator ergonomics, the crane has been designed to reduce risk for both operators and ground crews, supporting safer site conditions without sacrificing productivity.
A Different Approach in a Cost-Driven Market
Crane Tech Solutions says it has deliberately resisted the trend toward low-cost, shortcut-driven equipment often referred to in the industry as “cheap iron”.
Instead, the company prioritises:
Realistic engineering over design shortcuts
Safety over speed
Long-term reliability over short-term cost savings
The company believes that safer sites are inherently more productive, reducing downtime, incidents, and operational disruption.
Family Values Embedded in Design
For the Kohler family, safety is not a marketing concept but a design principle shaped by personal responsibility.
Crane Tech Solutions describes its philosophy as one rooted in family values — designing equipment with the same care they would expect for their own workforce and communities.
About Crane Tech Solutions
Crane Tech Solutions is a family-owned engineering and tower crane solutions company specialising in safety-focused crane design, engineering support, and technical consultancy. Founded on principles established by Manfred Kohler, the business continues to be led by the next generation, with a strong emphasis on protecting operators, rigging crews, and site personnel.
The company is known for its pragmatic engineering approach, prioritising structural stability, operator ergonomics, and real-world site conditions over cost-driven compromises.
Website: https://cranetechsolutions.com/
Frequently Asked Questions
Who designed the tower crane featured at the Portsmouth site?
The crane design originates from Manfred Kohler, whose engineering philosophy focused on safety and protecting people on site.
Who currently leads Crane Tech Solutions?
The company is led by Robert and Mike Kohler, continuing the family’s engineering-led approach.
What differentiates Crane Tech Solutions’ approach to crane design?
The company prioritises safety, realism, and long-term reliability, rather than cost-driven shortcuts.
Why does Crane Tech Solutions emphasise safety as productivity?
The company believes safer sites reduce incidents, downtime, and operational risk, ultimately improving productivity.
