One Year Anniversary, Crane Worldwide

The last year has not been kind to the global transportation business. Demand has skidded with the global economy. Yet one year after launch, Crane Worldwide is a growing new player in the industry.

The Houston-based company, which provides a variety of shipping and logistical services, is on track to meet its original milestone of achieving $1b in revenue and 4,000 employees at the company’s five to seven year mark.

In the year since its founding, Crane Worldwide has established 47 offices in 17 countries, grown to 500 employees and created a client base of dozens of leading global corporations in industries from aerospace to energy.

Because so many of its potential clients are under pressure to optimize supply chain economics right now, new ideas from proven performers are a welcome sight.

This environment, paired with the management team’s credibility, has earned annual growth in the 45 percent range. The company, whose global headquarters is in an over 130,000 sq ft facility near Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport, recently purchased 20 acres to allow for future local growth.

“It’s a unique time,” says Crane Worldwide President John Magee. “Manufacturers and logistics managers are really feeling the pressure. It’s difficult watching mass layoffs and slashed budgets across our customer base, because many times these are people we’ve known for decades and they’re hurting now. But the global slowdown has been good for Crane Worldwide’s growth. People are open to new ideas and partnerships. Five years ago, reinventing their supply chain wasn’t a priority. But with the downturn they have to get creative, and we’re able to help.”

AirTran Airways is among Crane Worldwide’s recent client acquisitions. “We just started a cost savings initiative to better execute our supply chain,” noted Kurt Brulisauer, AirTran’s Director of Customer Service. “Crane Worldwide secured our business because of its cost model, leadership and industry experience--but most importantly its flexibility. This new partnership has eliminated a non-core business for us and will give us the technology and experience we need. We want to keep innovating operations in this environment.”