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ORBCOMM Provides Satellite Network for Manitowoc's CraneSTAR Crane-tracking and Asset Management System

Posted on: Monday, 20 April 2009, 10:19 CDT

MANITOWOC, Wis., April 20 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Manitowoc Cranes, a division of The Manitowoc Company (NYSE: MTW), a leading global crane manufacturer, and ORBCOMM (Nasdaq: ORBC), a leading global satellite data communications company focused on machine-to-machine communications, today announced a partnership to provide CraneSTAR*, an asset management system that helps owners monitor crane fleets nearly anywhere in the world.

Scott Blair, director of global telematics at Manitowoc, says that CraneSTAR will help crane owners get better productivity and profitability from their cranes.

"CraneSTAR gives customers timely information on their crane fleet, no matter where they or their cranes, are in the world," he said. "It is the most comprehensive asset management system our industry has ever seen. At present no other OEM in our business is able to offer fleet managers this level of information to help them plan lift scheduling or maintenance schedules. "

CraneSTAR processing capabilities come from a Manitowoc-engineered telematics control unit which monitors major crane functions and provides operational data taken from the crane's proprietary CANbus network. Once gathered, the data is transmitted via GSM or satellite network to a secure database linked to a Web server, which can be accessed by a Web-connected computer or handheld device. Manitowoc will offer CraneSTAR as standard equipment on most current production models and it will be phased into production in the coming months.

One major CraneSTAR benefit for customers is that the system will help reduce ownership cost and improve profitability by helping to monitor critical operating data, assisting in recognizing maintenance trends and routine maintenance schedules, and making more efficient business decisions.

ORBCOMM provides the satellite communications portion of the CraneSTAR system. ORBCOMM's network of low Earth orbit satellites provides cost-effective tracking, monitoring and messaging capabilities around the world.

Marc Eisenberg, chief executive officer of ORBCOMM, says his company is committed to helping fleet owners manage their assets more effectively.

"Tracking equipment hours, location and performance is a major step toward improving equipment utilization," he said. "ORBCOMM's involvement with CraneSTAR helps crane owners leverage their assets and become more productive and profitable in the field."

*CraneSTAR is a service mark of Manitowoc Crane Companies, Inc.

About The Manitowoc Company, Inc.

The Manitowoc Company, Inc. is a multi-industry, capital goods manufacturer with over 100 manufacturing and service facilities in 27 countries. It is recognized as one of the world's largest providers of lifting equipment for the global construction industry, including lattice-boom cranes, tower cranes, mobile telescopic cranes, and boom trucks. Manitowoc also is one of the world's leading innovators and manufacturers of commercial foodservice equipment serving the ice, beverage, refrigeration, food prep, and cooking needs of restaurants, convenience stores, hotels, healthcare, and institutional applications.

About ORBCOMM Inc.

ORBCOMM is a leading global satellite data communications company, focused on Machine-to-Machine (M2M) communications. By means of a global network of low-earth orbit (LEO) satellites and accompanying ground infrastructure, ORBCOMM's low-cost and reliable two-way data communications products and services track, monitor and control mobile and fixed assets in four core markets: commercial transportation; heavy equipment; industrial fixed assets; and marine/homeland security. The Company's products are installed on trucks, containers, marine vessels, locomotives, backhoes, pipelines, oil wells, utility meters, storage tanks and other assets. ORBCOMM is headquartered in Fort Lee, New Jersey and has a network control center in Dulles, Virginia. For more information, visit www.orbcomm.com.

SOURCE The Manitowoc Company, Inc.

Source: PR Newswire

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