Manitowoc ensures customers’ cranes operate smoothly even on the most remote jobsites. In our Looking Up series, we hear from technicians such as Nico Fourie, who tackle challenges firsthand to ensure Manitowoc crane owners can keep working regardless of circumstances.
Nico Fourie, Manitowoc’s Mobile Service Manager based in Dubai, UAE, is responsible for operations in the Middle East, Africa, and Turkey. He is dedicated to servicing and supporting Manitowoc’s mobile cranes to meet customer needs in these regions. Fourie oversees the maintenance and repair of mobile cranes, ensuring their optimal functionality and promptly addressing any issues to minimize downtime for Manitowoc users. Learn more about his work in his conversation with Looking Up.
Looking Up: How long have you been with the company?
Nico Fourie: It’s been 17 amazing years since I joined Manitowoc in 2007 and in that time, I’ve seen significant advancements that improved our customer service offerings. Before coming to the Middle East, I worked in South Africa for Manitowoc Africa, which gave me a solid understanding of the needs and challenges across the market. I find my work fulfilling and take pride in contributing to customer satisfaction and upholding the excellent reputation of Manitowoc’s cranes.
LU: Tell us of one of the most memorable or challenging jobs that you have been involved with.
Fourie: One of my most challenging experiences was a project in Pointe-Noire, Congo. The journey was difficult due to poor infrastructure. On-site, I had to handle a critical issue with a crane’s boom mechanical emergency retraction. And the jobsite was in the jungle, without any mobile communication. Despite these challenges, our team's resourcefulness and determination prevailed, resolving the issue effectively and keeping the customer happy.
LU: How does Manitowoc's commitment to innovative design make your job easier?
Fourie: Manitowoc's innovative designs significantly enhance our field operations. Our advanced control systems, such as the new CONNECT platform, can provide precise diagnostics remotely, replacing manual inspections. Simplified wiring and modular components streamline repairs, ensuring efficient maintenance in challenging environments. These advances enable faster and more effective service, keeping our customers' operations running smoothly.
LU: What is the best part of being a service manager at Manitowoc?
Fourie: The best part of my job is the satisfaction that comes from helping a customer in need. When a crane is back in operation after a successful repair, the appreciation from the customer and the sense of accomplishment is incredibly rewarding. It’s gratifying to know that our work directly contributes to the success and efficiency of our clients' operations.
LU: When you're not fixing cranes, what do you enjoy doing in your free time?
Fourie: I spend a lot of time catching up on emails to stay on top of various projects and communications. However, I also enjoy exploring new places and doing outdoor activities with my family, like freshwater fishing, quad biking, and learning about the local cultures of the regions I work in. Balancing work with these interests helps keep me refreshed and motivated.
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