Liebherr Tower Cranes Support Aurubis Metal Processing Facility Project in Hamburg
- Meagan Wood
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
30-Second Takeaway
A fleet of Liebherr tower cranes, including the 1188 EC-H, 550 EC-H and 470 EC-B, is supporting construction of Aurubis’s new Metal Processing Hamburg (MVH) facility. The cranes are handling heavy plant components and steel structures for the industrial project, which forms part of Aurubis’s sustainability strategy and is scheduled for completion in 2026.
Liebherr Tower Cranes Deployed on Aurubis Industrial Project
Several Liebherr tower cranes are currently supporting the construction of the new Metal Processing Hamburg (MVH) facility for Aurubis AG in Hamburg, Germany.
The cranes are being used to perform complex heavy lifting operations as part of the construction of the new industrial processing plant.
The project is being delivered by construction company Züblin AG, which is relying exclusively on Liebherr tower crane technology supplied through Feurig Baumaschinen GmbH. The facility is a key element of Aurubis’s strategy to expand recycling capacity and strengthen its role in sustainable metal processing.
High Lifting Capacity Required for Industrial Construction
The construction of the MVH metal processing facility requires the precise lifting and positioning of heavy plant components and large steel structures.
To meet these requirements, several cranes from the Liebherr Tower Crane Center (TCC) rental fleet have been deployed on site.
The crane lineup includes:
Liebherr 1188 EC-H
Liebherr 550 EC-H
Liebherr 470 EC-B
These cranes have been sublet to Züblin AG by BMTI, while an additional Liebherr 250 EC-B from BMTI’s own fleet is also supporting operations.
The cranes were selected due to their high load reserves, reliability and ability to handle demanding industrial lifting tasks.
Flat-Top EC-B Cranes Provide Site Flexibility
The EC-B flat-top tower crane series offers several advantages for complex construction sites. Their topless crane design enables easier assembly and dismantling while also simplifying transport logistics.
Additional benefits include:
Efficient site installation
Reduced transport requirements
Safe multi-crane operation in confined areas
These features allow multiple cranes to operate safely on densely built industrial construction sites, where space and coordination are critical.
1188 EC-H Fibre Crane Handles Heavy Lifts
The Liebherr 1188 EC-H Fibre crane plays a central role in the heavy lifting operations on the Aurubis project. This crane uses advanced fibre rope technology, which significantly improves lifting performance.
Key capabilities include:
Maximum lifting capacity of 40 tonnes
Maximum load capacity of 9.1 tonnes at radius
18% increased lifting capacity compared to conventional systems
The fibre rope technology also provides operational advantages over traditional steel rope systems. Under equivalent operating conditions, the fibre rope offers four times longer service life, making it particularly suitable for long-term heavy lifting applications.
This makes the crane an ideal solution for demanding industrial construction projects such as the Aurubis recycling facility.
Efficient Site Logistics Through Integrated Technology
The project also benefits from close cooperation between BMTI, Feurig Baumaschinen GmbH and Züblin AG.
Using a standardised fleet of Liebherr cranes simplifies construction logistics and improves site coordination.
The consistent use of Liebherr equipment ensures:
Standardised control systems
Integrated safety technologies
Efficient crane coordination
These factors help maintain high operational efficiency and smooth daily workflows across the construction site.
Aurubis Facility Supports Circular Economy Goals
Once completed in 2026, the Metal Processing Hamburg (MVH) facility will significantly expand Aurubis’s recycling capacity.
The plant will enable the processing of approximately:
30,000 tonnes of additional recycling material annually
The facility will optimise existing processing operations within the Aurubis smelter network, while also expanding metallurgical capabilities. By increasing recycling capacity and reducing processing times, the project contributes to the circular economy and strengthens the competitiveness of the Hamburg industrial site.
About Aurubis
Aurubis AG is a leading global provider of non-ferrous metals and one of the largest copper recyclers worldwide. The company produces metals used in renewable energy, electronics and industrial manufacturing.
Website: https://www.aurubis.com
About Liebherr Tower Cranes
Liebherr is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of construction machinery and lifting equipment. Its tower crane division produces a wide range of cranes used in infrastructure, high-rise construction and large industrial projects.
Website: https://www.liebherr.com
Frequently Asked Questions
What cranes are being used at the Aurubis MVH project?
The project is using Liebherr tower cranes including the 1188 EC-H, 550 EC-H and 470 EC-B models.
What is the lifting capacity of the Liebherr 1188 EC-H Fibre crane?
The crane offers a maximum lifting capacity of 40 tonnes.
What is special about fibre rope crane technology?
Fibre rope technology increases lifting capacity and provides up to four times longer service life compared to steel rope systems.
When will the Aurubis metal processing facility be completed?
The MVH facility in Hamburg is scheduled for completion in 2026.
How much recycling material will the new facility process?
The plant will process approximately 30,000 tonnes of additional recycling material per year.
