Liebherr has completed the replacement of five ageing overhead cranes at its manufacturing plant in Ehingen, with support from the Schmidbauer Group and its subsidiary Rieger & Moser.
The work took place during Liebherr’s company holiday in early August, when production was paused. The overhead cranes, with lifting capacities between 40 and 63 tonnes and spans of 28 metres, were dismantled and replaced within a tight timeframe. The heaviest crane, weighing 41 tonnes, was fitted with two hoists.
To complete the job, three mobile cranes were brought in: a Liebherr LTC 1045-3.1 from Schmidbauer’s Memmingen branch, along with an LTM 1110-5.1 and an LTM 1130-5.1 from Rieger & Moser in Ulm.
The cranes had to operate under cramped conditions inside the assembly hall, with little clearance to the ceiling. Special assembly jibs were used to provide extra room while maintaining lifting strength.
The LTC 1045-3.1 removed the trolleys with hoists, the LTM 1110-5.1 handled the main girders of the old bridge cranes, and the LTM 1130-5.1 lifted in the new girders. The experienced operators, supported by Liebherr’s crane control system, were able to move the heavy components with centimetre precision.
Rieger & Moser is also marking a milestone, celebrating its 80th anniversary in 2025. Founded in 1945 as an automotive workshop, the company is now part of the Schmidbauer Group and a key partner for industry, construction and infrastructure in southern Germany.
The company says its guiding principle for the anniversary is “80 years: Strong from the region. Connected to the future.”
In September 2025, Rieger & Moser will host a celebration with employees, families, customers and partners. The event will reflect on the company’s history while looking ahead to future developments.
“On the occasion of its 80th anniversary, Rieger & Moser would like to thank all those who have shaped and supported the company. The anniversary is not an end in itself, but a commitment: to quality, responsibility and a future based on experience and co-operation,” the company said.