The future of the new globe-circling Manitowoc Crane Group is emerging first in Asia, as the plans for Manitowoc Potain Singapore PTE Ltd. have been unveiled.

The Manitowoc Potain Singapore business operation will be the first to combine the sales and services structures of the two leading crane makers in one market. The resulting organization will provide sales and support for both Manitowoc’s lattice-boom crawler cranes and Potain’s tower cranes. The Singapore market integration will likely be a model for how other markets will be integrated in the future, said Larry Weyers, Manitowoc Crane Group senior vice president of sales and marketing.

"We chose to begin our integration of the companies in Asia because our companies had very similar business operations there," Weyers said. "In addition, with the strengths of our two companies added together, we see strong opportunities to grow in the Asian economies."

Under the plan, the Manitowoc Potain operation will be headquartered in Singapore, with sales, service and administrative functions located there. The office will also manage divisions in China, Korea, Australia and the Philippines.

As part of the restructuring, the sales and service of crane products in Asia is transitioning from distributor-based to factory direct. All of Manitowoc’s and Potain’s employees will be located in a new headquarters.

Manitowoc’s purchase of Potain became final in May.