I.COM constructs $675 million chemical complex in Italy Construction and Real Estate

A chemical processing plant worth US$ 675 million (€500 million) is being developed in Italy with support from a team of Grove all terrain and rough terrain cranes.

The new bio-based production facility chemical complex is being converted from a fossil fuel plant. It models part of the Porto Torres Green Hub project in Sardinia, off the coast of Italy.

On site at the time of writing were two 75 tonne capacity GMK4075 all terrains, a 100 tonne capacity GMK5095 and a 300 tonne GMK6300L. Also on site are a 35 tonne capacity RT540E and a 45 tonne capacity RT550E rough terrain. The cranes were delivered by Italian dealer FIMI for main contractor Italian construction company (I.COM).

Work tasks for the cranes consists of lifting and setting up 15 tanks, 17 racks measuring 950 metres and weighing a total of 1,188 tonnes, 51 heat exchangers, 78 reactor vessels, eight thermal columns, 18 mixer units, 125 pumps and 51 km of piping, according to a company spokesperson.

Confrontations include working in a marine environment, navigating tight corners, sand and uneven terrain.

According to Luca Pibiri, general manager at main contractor and crane owner I.COM - Grove cranes were also used earlier on a project of this size and importance and, as in the past, we are assured they will drop in exceptional performance. Grove cranes are durable and enduring machines and our operators find their simple operating systems and fast set up makes work easier.

This is really a big project that requires the best tools and the best service. FIMI’s staff has the skill and the experience to completely meet the customer requirements and assure this challenging project moves right on the set track, says, Enrico Angiolini, director South Europe at Manitowoc Italy.

Work activities started at Porto Torres in June 2011 and the first Grove crane arrived at the site in September 2012. All six cranes will stay on site until work is completed in 2018. The plant will produce bio-plastics, bio-lubricants and bio-additives.