Cape Town-based BB Cranes, a unit of crane and hoist manufacturer Condra, has closed its doors, effective June 30.

However, Condra remains committed to maintaining a strong presence throughout the Western Cape, with sales, service and support to continue through Blue Cranes in Killarney Gardens.

“BB Cranes’ closure was necessary partly because of new and developing crane technologies that would have doubled investment costs if incorporated in two factories,” explains Condra MD Marc Kleiner.

“It makes a lot of sense to manufacture in a single factory, and to continue sales, service and support through Blue Cranes rather than BB,” he added, noting that Condra’s Johannesburg works will now manage all manufacturing.

He assures, however, that the more than 50-year relationship between Condra and the Western Cape will continue into the future.

BB Cranes was formed in 1992 to marry girders to Condra’s technically complex hoists, crabs, end-carriages and other components made in Johannesburg.

Condra acquired majority ownership of the company in 2016. Full acquisition took place in 2022.