As we approach the end of 2019, it’s time to reflect on what an amazing year it has been for LGH, both as a company and for our clients around the world. From lock gates and power stations to innovative architecture, LGH teams across the globe have been busy tackling the most complex of challenges with precision and pride. Meanwhile, here at our head office, we have been busy ourselves with a dynamic rebrand that has brought all our diverse businesses together ahead of our major expansion plans.

Our biggest British lift

Our biggest lift in the UK also involved collaboration with our colleagues in the EU, as we faced the challenge of lifting out two 210 tonne stators at the decommissioned Rugeley Power Station. With restricted lifting space and a significant load, the lift required our expertise and experience and six months of planning. We worked alongside LGH EU to find the best lifting solutions for the job, with the final lifting gear assembly put together in the LGH workshops in Ridderkerk in the Netherlands before being shipped across the channel. This depth of international experience meant that LGH could meet the challenge more effectively and more economically than any other UK lifting company.

A massive lift in Europe

LGH not only use Europe’s transport infrastructure to move our equipment in to new countries. One of our highlights this year was a major refurbishment of the inner lock gate of the port of Zeebrugge, LGH were called upon to assist with the lifting of the huge structure back into position. Weighing in at a staggering 2,500tonnes, the gate lift took months of careful calculations, involved some of the very latest lifting solutions and took no less than 14 hours to complete. As you would expect with LGH experience and expertise, everything went smoothly, placing the refurbished gate back into position to provide many more years of service at this essential European port.

Skanska’s Seattle challenge

Across the Atlantic, the LGH North American team in Seattle were tasked with helping to create some truly original architecture at the new 2andU tower in Seattle. The eye-catching design has the bulk of the 38-storey office complex sitting on y-shaped steel columns stretching five floors up. Each supporting arm weighed up to 75tonnes and the lift was further complicated by the fact that they were designed with two arms at a 72degree angle. As if that wasn’t challenging enough, our US team were faced with a number of local challenges on a tight site, including uneven surfaces and nearby trees. Following a successful completion of the lift, the offices have progressed rapidly and are now 100% leased.

It has been inspiring to watch our teams across the world working together with each other, and with leading engineering companies, to provide the very best lifting solutions. Now we look forward to our own efforts giving the business a lift as we head into the new decade with new purpose and new goals, to work together to lift the world.

From everyone here at LGH, may we wish you a very merry Christmas and a happy and prosperous New Year!