CICA, Industry News, News

CICA Member Profile: ANC Cranes raises the bar

With growth, accreditation, and unforgettable projects, ANC Cranes is on a remarkable upward trajectory – strengthening its team with industry-leading expertise, expanding its fleet with cutting-edge cranes, and proudly securing ISO accreditation.

Under the leadership of Owner and Director Craig Davies, alongside seasoned industry professional Jay Gower, the company is charting an exciting new chapter defined by growth, innovation, and opportunity.

A New Era of Leadership and Expertise

With more than two decades of experience representing global crane original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), Jay Gower brought a wealth of knowledge when he joined ANC Cranes in January. His role is intentionally versatile, ensuring he can contribute wherever the business needs him most – from managing lift studies and site inspections to customer engagement and technical troubleshooting.

“At ANC, titles don’t matter nearly as much as teamwork. I find myself wearing many hats – inspections, safety compliance, supporting the crews, and even helping interpret error codes on Tadano cranes. It’s hands-on, fast-paced, and incredibly rewarding,” Jay shared.

Craig added: “Having Jay on board has been a game-changer. His industry insight, technical know-how, and can-do attitude make him a huge asset to the team.”

ANC Cranes continues to invest in the fleet. Image: ANC Cranes.

Raising the Bar with ISO Accreditation

This year, ANC Cranes proudly achieved AS/NZS ISO 9001, AS/NZS ISO 45001, and AS/NZS ISO 14001 certifications – a milestone that not only recognises excellence but also positions the company for even greater opportunities.

Jay explained the decision: “We pursued ISO not just for the work we’re doing now, but for the work we want to do in the future. With industry changes from SafeWork NSW and ongoing regulatory updates, we wanted to stay ahead of the curve. By engaging a specialist safety consultancy, we lifted our systems to industry-best practice, putting in place the right framework for long-term success.”

Craig noted the cultural shift it created: “The accreditation process brought everyone together. The whole team embraced the changes – from new safety forms to updated procedures. It wasn’t about ticking boxes; it was about raising our standards as a business. It was inspiring to see everyone step up.”

Expanding the Fleet

ANC’s growth is also evident in its cranes. The fleet now stands at 25 cranes, including an impressive collection of Maeda mini crawlers. New arrivals include an 8TMaeda, a 25T Franna, and a 100T all terrain crane, with a Maeda 174 scheduled to arrive in October.

Craig explained the strategic value: “We don’t see our Maedas in the yard often, which is a great sign – they’re always out working. The addition of the Maeda 174 bridges the gap between our larger mini cranes and smaller jobs, giving customers safer, more efficient options and reducing manual handling risks. With this arrival, our mini crane fleet will number 16, ranging from the 174 through to our 8T crawler.”

“The all terrain purchase from the McPhan family on the Central Coast was perfectly timed – a real win-win. And while I resisted adding a Franna for years, Jay convinced me. It hasn’t stopped working since! I used to say, ‘I’m not driving a Franna,’ but now I realise I don’t have to – I’ve got skilled operators for that.”

Standing Out in the Market

With ISO accreditation and a strengthened fleet, ANC Cranes is positioned to secure more complex projects and compete confidently in larger tenders.

“It moves us higher up the list,” Jay said. “We’re not trying to be the biggest, but we are determined to be one of the most trusted and reliable. Our goal is to consistently deliver quality work – safely, compliantly, and efficiently. That’s what sets us apart.”

A Jurassic-Sized Challenge

ANC’s expertise was recently put to the test with one of its most unique projects yet: lifting full-sized dinosaur models into a private backyard in the Blue Mountains.

The Jurassic-Sized Challenge. Image: ANC Cranes

“The logistics were challenging – from cobblestone driveways to low tree canopies restricting our access and creating barriers to overcome. We had to get creative and use two different cranes,” Jay recalled. “Craig was onsite to help steer the operation, and it really came down to meticulous planning, teamwork, and quick decision-making.”

The T-Rex and Triceratops, each weighing around 300 kilograms, were positioned safely and precisely, despite the obstacles. The project highlighted ANC’s ability to think outside the box, adapt under pressure, and deliver results that delight customers.

Looking Ahead

ANC Cranes is more than just a crane hire company – it’s a team united by a passion for excellence, safety, and service. With new expertise on board, an upgraded fleet at the ready, and ISO accreditation elevating its credentials, the company is poised to take on bigger opportunities and continue exceeding expectations.

Craig summed it up best: “We’re growing with integrity, expanding with purpose, and building a reputation we’re proud of. The future is looking very bright for ANC Cranes.”

Send this to a friend