UP FRONT / TADANO
BIG IS BEAUTIFUL LCR Group, one of Australia’s leading integrated logistics, transport and crane service providers, recently took delivery of a Tadano Demag AC1000-9, and with a lifting capacity of 1,200 tonnes, it is the world’s most powerful all terrain. Peter Koschel, LCR’s Executive GM Cranes & Transport, provides background to the purchase and the reasons why LCR has gone so big. PETER KOSCHEL HAS BEEN WITH LCR for 17 years and has worked in senior management roles in all facets of the business and has been directly responsible for the Australian and Papua New Guinea crane and transport operations for the past five years. “In 2019 LCR was purchased by Qube Holdings, Australia’s largest logistics provider. The acquisition by Qube has provided the opportunity for us to increase our capability - providing integrated crane and transport services to the civil, mining, and renewable energy sectors. “LCR Group has been heavily involved in the construction of some the largest infrastructure projects in Queensland. We have built a reputation for providing our customers with reliable solutions for the transportation and erection of precast bridge girders for the construction of many of the States road, rail and tunnel projects, and are grateful for the trust our customers put in us to get a project completed safely and efficiently.” The integrated logistics model QUBE and LCR offer has been successfully tested and replicated on the Coopers Gap and Stockyard Hill, the two largest wind farm projects in the Southern Hemisphere. LCR Group has put together a team of specialists with experience in the renewable sector from Victoria to Queensland, and are one of very few companies able to offer a complete Port-to-pad package for wind and solar projects. “Our clients benefit from the simplicity and one point 12 / CAL September 2021
of contact approach we bring to the projects. They are not having to write five contracts, and make five phone calls every time a schedule changes. We take care of it all in-house.” Koschel pointed out. The company’s strong reputation has spread into the Asia-Pacific where it has built a strong presence in Papua New Guinea. “The PNG business was established in 2009 where LCR provided a range of cranes to support the construction of the Exxon gas pipeline and the offshore jetty development,” Koschel said. “We have continued to progress our business with a key emphasis on the training and development of our PNG staff to manage our business and operate our equipment.” The PNG operation has provided lifting support throughout the region and worked with a range of major resource and construction companies including – Newcrest, Oil Search, Clough, Exxon and CPB. “Wherever we operate, we take a solution-based approach with our clients with a focus on delivering what we promise, while ensuring safety is always our highest priority,” Koschel said. Koschel explains how a major crane business works with the synergies of a logistics business. “QUBE is Australia’s largest logistics company. It has a number of divisions across Port, Bulk and Logistics and we operate across Australia, New Zealand and South-east Asia. LCR are a part of the Qube Bulk business, which primarily focuses on the movement of materials
to and from all major ports throughout Australia. Our cranes work within the integrated solutions provided by this business,” he said. LCR was an easy fit into the logistics offering of QUBE and the crane and transport fleet has evolved since becoming part of the QUBE organisation says Koschel. “Over the last couple of years, we’ve added a significant amount of specialised heavy haulage equipment to our transport business, to provide the capability to complete unique movements of oversized components and equipment. This equipment includes Australian made heavy duty prime movers, multiple axle modular trailers, www.cranesandlifting.com.au
