The Lonergan Brothers: Building Empire Crane into a Northeast Dealership Leader
- Meagan Wood
- Jun 6, 2025
- 4 min read
30 Second Takeaway
Founded by brothers Luke and Paul Lonergan, Empire Crane Company has grown into one of the leading crane dealerships in the Northeast United States, providing crane sales, rentals, parts, and service for nearly two decades. Headquartered in Syracuse, New York, the family-led business is defined by long-term customer relationships, strong manufacturer partnerships, and a hands-on service culture.
From family roots to a new beginning
Empire Crane Company was founded in 2002 by New York brothers Luke and Paul Lonergan, following the dissolution of the Lonergan family’s previous crane-related business. Rather than stepping away from the industry, the brothers chose to build something new placing their confidence in their own experience, relationships, and work ethic.
“We started with only a couple of mechanics, an office manager, and ourselves,”
explained Luke Lonergan, CEO and Vice President.
“The company grew from there.”
Headquartered in Syracuse, New York, Empire Crane expanded rapidly. Within a few years, satellite offices were opened in Boston, Massachusetts, and Bridgewater, New Jersey, forming a three-location footprint that remains central to the company’s operating model today.
A regional footprint built for service
The establishment of satellite offices was a defining milestone for Empire Crane, allowing the business to operate as both a sales organisation and a regional service provider.
Each location functions as a service centre and home base for technicians, enabling faster response times and localised support across New England and the broader Northeast. This structure allows Empire Crane to dispatch technicians quickly when customer equipment requires servicing an approach that has become a core differentiator.
Operating from its three key sites, Empire Crane supports customers on both a local and national scale, supplying cranes, parts, rentals, and technical expertise across multiple markets.
One of the broadest crane portfolios in the Northeast
Empire Crane is a dealer for a wide range of manufacturers, including Tadano Demag, Tadano Mantis, Kobelco, Manitex, Terex, Magni, and Broderson. This multi-brand approach allows the company to offer one of the broadest product ranges in the regional crane market.
The portfolio includes:
All-terrain cranes
Boom trucks
Carry deck cranes
Rough terrain cranes
Telehandlers
Truck cranes
Crawler cranes
Fleet and inventory decisions are driven by ongoing customer dialogue and field intelligence.
“We talk with clients and salespeople to forecast equipment needs for the year ahead,” Luke Lonergan said.
“If something sells from the rental fleet, we often replace it with new equipment to keep technology up to date.”
Strengthening manufacturer partnerships
In 2020, Empire Crane reached a major milestone when it was selected to represent Tadano products in the Northeast United States. The partnership expanded Empire’s offering to include Tadano Demag all-terrain cranes, Tadano Mantis tele-crawlers, Tadano GR rough terrain cranes, and Tadano ATF all-terrain cranes.
The appointment reinforced Empire Crane’s standing as a full-service dealership capable of supporting customers across the entire crane ownership lifecycle.
Long-term customers and repeat business
Empire Crane’s approach has resulted in strong customer loyalty. One example includes CWI Crane and Rigging, which purchased multiple Tadano Demag cranes from Empire between 2019 and 2021, including AC250-5, AC100-4L, and AC60-3 models.
“We’ve worked with the Lonergan family since I was a kid,”
said CWI Owner Chet Chludenski III.
“It’s always good to do business with people you know and trust.”
Repeat business remains a hallmark of Empire Crane’s success, driven by personal relationships and consistent post-sale support.
A one-stop-shop philosophy
Empire Crane positions itself as a single-source partner for customers from initial
equipment purchase through years of ownership.
“When customers purchase a crane from Empire Crane, new or used, they get a personal introduction to folks in all departments,”
Luke Lonergan explained.
“From sales, to parts, to service we support clients from day one, and years down the road.”
This integrated model ensures continuity and accountability across departments, reinforcing trust and long-term engagement.
A people-driven dealership
Empire Crane’s growth is underpinned by a strong internal team structure. The company employs:
Outside sales representatives
Dedicated parts and service managers
Field technicians distributed across the Northeast
“We have a great sales team, parts team, service team, and business support team,”
Luke said.
“Everyone is motivated and focused on the big picture serving the customer like they’re part of the family.”
Looking ahead
As the crane industry continues to evolve with new safety technology, electrification, and advanced lifting solutions the Lonergan brothers remain optimistic about the future.
Having already witnessed major shifts in equipment capability and utilisation over the past decade, Empire Crane continues to adapt its portfolio while maintaining the same family-driven values that shaped its early growth.
“One thing for sure,” Luke Lonergan said, “is that we will continue growing together as a team.”
About Empire Crane Company
Empire Crane Company is one of the leading crane dealerships in the Northeast United States, providing crane sales, rentals, parts, and service to customers across construction, infrastructure, industrial, and specialty lifting markets.
Founded in 2002 by brothers Luke and Paul Lonergan, the family-owned business is headquartered in Syracuse, New York, with additional locations in Boston, Massachusetts, and Bridgewater, New Jersey. Operating from these regional hubs, Empire Crane supports customers throughout New England and the broader Northeast, offering local service coverage with national-level capability.
Empire Crane represents a broad portfolio of manufacturers including Tadano, Kobelco, Manitex, Magni, Broderson, and other leading brands, enabling the company to offer one of the most comprehensive crane and lifting equipment ranges in the region. Its lineup includes all-terrain cranes, rough terrain cranes, crawler cranes, boom trucks, carry deck cranes, and rotating telehandlers.
Known for its service-driven approach, Empire Crane operates as a true one-stop partner, supporting customers from initial equipment selection through long-term ownership with responsive parts, field service, and technical expertise. The company’s hands-on leadership, experienced workforce, and strong manufacturer relationships continue to define its reputation for reliability and customer trust.
Website: https://www.empirecrane.com
