Potain tower crane technician Christophe Bordier shares insights from his experience at Manitowoc and reveals his key to staying sharp in an evolving field.
After six years at Manitowoc, Potain tower crane technician Christophe Bordier has gained valuable expertise but is still learning. Based in southeastern France near Lyon, Bordier specializes in self-erecting tower cranes and recognizes the importance of continuous training and staying current with ever-changing technology and safety regulations.
He shared insights with Looking Up about his beginnings with cranes, the industry’s evolution, and the vital importance of proper training.
Looking Up: How did you get started in the crane industry?
Bordier: I started out as a subcontractor for Manitowoc, assisting in the development of elevators for tower cranes. When the Manitowoc team was searching for new technicians and trainers, they believed I was the right fit for the job.
Six years later, I’m now an established Potain self-erecting tower crane technician and have quickly adapted to the Potain products. I owe all my success to Manitowoc’s strong teamwork and technical training opportunities.
LU: What specific duties does your job entail?
Bordier: I oversee all operations related to tower cranes, including assembly, troubleshooting, and maintenance. My role demands versatility and technical expertise, as every day is different. Each day presents new challenges and opportunities.
LU: How do you keep up with the latest changes in the industry?
Bordier: Cranes are regularly evolving with new technologies and regulations that enhance safety and performance. This requires me to constantly assess the changing work environment and stay up to date with the latest products and guidelines.
However, Potain makes the transition easier by offering access to continuous training programs, safety resources, and the necessary tools for our interventions.
LU: What do you enjoy most about being a crane technician at Manitowoc?
Bordier: The variety of construction sites, along with the autonomy and diversity of our cranes, keeps the job interesting — every day brings something new. For example, we recently installed a tower crane in the Alps using a helicopter, which was super exciting to be involved in. Our Potain Lift Solutions team had to adapt the weight of each part of the crane to align with the helicopter’s maximum load, as this was far from a standard installation. Potain cranes are custom-built to meet the unique needs of our customers, designed to adapt seamlessly to diverse construction sites—from confined urban spaces to challenging cliffside job sites.
I receive annual hands-on training from Potain on the latest technology and systems, like the recent Potain Igo M 24-19 launch. These courses, held in Saint-Pierre-de-Chandieu, France, along with the Potain e-Academy, have enabled me to learn a lot — and I’m still learning new things every day! For safety-related training, technical courses in France cover essential topics, including electrical risks and operating cranes and forklifts.
I also appreciate working with the large team at such a renowned company, which provides numerous opportunities for growth across various fields. They support our career development and are responsive to our requests for product improvements.
LU: How much training do you receive and on what sort of topics?
Bordier: We receive extensive training on crane technologies, including the assembly of self-erecting cranes, and safety training. This covers areas like electrical technologies, correct crane operation, and more. These training sessions allow us to deliver top-quality work in the field, whether it’s assembling, operating, or troubleshooting the cranes. We can also provide expert advice and customized plans for our customers’ cranes.
Most recently, I was trained on our latest frequency drive technology, which have made it easier to access and diagnose various crane problems and set customized parameters for crane operators. I’m also excited to receive training soon on our new Potain Evy 30-23, a 4 t self-erecting crane, and the first model from the new Evy range! There’s a fascinating world of new technology associated with this crane, and it’s integrated with our Potain CONNECT™ telematics platform, enabling remote diagnostics, troubleshooting, monitoring, and analyzing crane use.
LU: What skills do you need to succeed as a crane technician?
Bordier: You need a combination of curiosity, patience, and perseverance. Curiosity drives you to keep learning and stay updated on the latest technologies and techniques. Patience is essential for troubleshooting complex issues and working through challenges. Perseverance helps you push through difficult situations and continuously improve your skills.
LU: What do you hope to achieve in the future with your career?
Bordier: I aspire to become a certified technical crane trainer, sharing my knowledge and experience with others. My goal is to contribute to the industry by maintaining high standards of safety and technical expertise while continuing to learn and grow alongside those I train.