Implenia Deploys Four Potain Tower Cranes for Central Malley Eco-District Project in Lausanne
- Jun 30, 2023
- 3 min read
Updated: Jan 14
30-Second Takeaway
Swiss real estate and construction services company Implenia has rented four Potain top-slewing tower cranes from long-standing dealer Stirnimann to support construction of the Central Malley eco-district in Lausanne, Switzerland. The cranes are enabling work on a complex, high-rise mixed-use development designed to promote sustainability, energy autonomy and urban density in close proximity to active railway infrastructure.
Central Malley: A Sustainable Urban Development
The Central Malley project is a major urban regeneration initiative in Lausanne, developed to address environmental challenges while supporting long-term energy autonomy.
Once complete, the eco-district will include:
23,700 m² of office space
200 residential units across 14,700 m²
3,800 m² of commercial space
The development features multiple towers, with building heights reaching up to 80 metres, and is located adjacent to the Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) network—adding further logistical and safety complexity to the project.
Crane Strategy and Dealer Collaboration
Implenia selected Stirnimann, a Potain dealer since 1986, to supply the crane package for the project, citing the company’s technical expertise, service quality and collaborative approach.
Based on detailed lifting requirements and site constraints, Stirnimann proposed a tailored crane solution and supported Implenia with both crane configuration and installation planning. The collaboration extended beyond equipment supply to include close coordination with Implenia’s design office, ensuring that crane placement and performance aligned seamlessly with construction sequencing.
Crane Fleet Deployed on Site
Stirnimann’s solution includes a total of four Potain top-slewing tower cranes:
One Potain MDT 308
Three Potain MDT 389
All cranes are equipped with:
On-board cameras for enhanced visibility
Potain Top Tracing 3 anti-collision and interference management system
Potain CONNECT telematics system for real-time monitoring
Aviation lighting, reflecting the cranes’ height and urban location
This configuration supports safe crane operation in a dense environment with multiple structures, overlapping working radii and nearby rail traffic.
Managing Complexity in a Constrained Environment
The project’s complexity stems not only from its height and density, but also from its proximity to the SBB railway and the positioning of two towers in close quarters.
Florian Lamy-Rousseau, Project Manager at Implenia, said:
“Several factors make this a complex and unique project with building heights reaching 80 m and the location of two towers close to the SBB railway. For these reasons, we needed a reliable partner in whom we could have total confidence in terms of skills and professionalism. The understanding with Stirnimann employees was the icing on the cake.”
From Stirnimann’s perspective, close cooperation was key to meeting the project’s varied technical demands.
Michel Jérôme, Technical Manager at Stirnimann, added:
“Implenia and Stirnimann have worked hand in hand to meet the project’s diverse requirements. The collaboration in designing and assembling the cranes has been a pleasure.”
Digital Tools Enhance Safety and Efficiency
The inclusion of Potain Top Tracing 3 and Potain CONNECT reflects the growing role of digital systems in modern tower crane operations. These technologies support:
Collision avoidance and zone management
Real-time crane performance monitoring
Improved safety in multi-crane and rail-adjacent environments
Data-driven maintenance and fleet oversight
For complex urban projects such as Central Malley, these systems play a critical role in maintaining productivity while minimising operational risk.
About Implenia
Implenia is a leading Swiss real estate and construction services company, operating across the entire value chain of the built environment. The company delivers complex projects in building construction, civil engineering and infrastructure, with a strong focus on sustainability, innovation and lifecycle value.
Implenia is active across Switzerland and internationally, supporting urban development projects that integrate environmental responsibility, energy efficiency and long-term economic viability.
Visit website:https://www.implenia.com
About Stirnimann
Stirnimann is a Swiss specialist in crane rental, lifting solutions and construction equipment services, and has been an authorised Potain dealer since 1986. The company provides tailored crane solutions, technical consulting, installation and ongoing support for complex construction projects across Switzerland.
Stirnimann is recognised for its close customer collaboration and expertise in deploying cranes in challenging urban and infrastructure environments.
Visit website:https://www.stirnimann.com
About Potain Tower Cranes
Potain, a brand of Manitowoc, is a global leader in tower crane design and manufacturing, offering one of the industry’s most comprehensive ranges of top-slewing, flat-top and self-erecting cranes. Potain cranes are widely used on complex urban, infrastructure and high-rise projects worldwide, supported by advanced digital safety and telematics systems.
Visit website:https://www.manitowoc.com/potain
Frequently Asked Questions
How many cranes are being used on the Central Malley project?
Four Potain top-slewing tower cranes.
Which crane models are deployed?
One Potain MDT 308 and three Potain MDT 389 cranes.
Who supplied the cranes?
Swiss dealer Stirnimann, a Potain partner since 1986.
Why is the project technically complex?
Due to building heights of up to 80 m, close proximity of towers and adjacency to the SBB railway.
What digital systems are installed on the cranes?
Potain Top Tracing 3, Potain CONNECT, on-board cameras and aviation lighting.
