At Thackray Crane, we take great pride in recognizing the hardworking women who help shape the construction industry. Women in Construction (WIC) Week 2025 is an opportunity to highlight the dedication, skill, and resilience of women in our field. This year, we’re shining the spotlight on one of our own: Celeste Sanchez.

A Passion for Cranes from an Early Age

For Celeste, cranes aren’t just a career—they’re a lifelong passion. Growing up, she watched her father, Juan Sanchez, operate cranes, fascinated by the amazing precision and raw power of the machines. Inspired by his work, Celeste knew early on that she wanted to follow in his footsteps.

Building Her Career

Now a 4th-year apprentice, oiler, and operator at Thackray Crane, Celeste is proving that hard work and determination can break barriers. She has earned multiple certifications, including:

• CCO Small Hydraulic
• CCO Large Hydraulic
• CDL A License

These credentials showcase her expertise and commitment to mastering the craft.

A Leader in the Industry

At just 21, Celeste joined Local 542 Operating Engineers, taking an active role in supporting the industry. Beyond her work on the job site, she dedicates her time to the union, participating in parades, fundraisers, and initiatives like Mentoring Young Women in Construction (MYWIC)—helping to pave the way for future generations of women in the field.

Breaking Barriers and Inspiring Others

Celeste’s journey reflects the growing presence of women in construction and the vital role they play in shaping the industry’s future. Her story is an inspiration to anyone considering a career in the trades—proving that with passion and perseverance, anything is possible.

This Women in Construction Week, we celebrate Celeste and all the incredible women making an impact at Thackray Crane and beyond.

Interested in a Career in Construction?

Thackray Crane is always looking for skilled, dedicated individuals to join our team. If you’re inspired by Celeste’s story and want to explore opportunities in the industry, contact Thackray Crane today!
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At Thackray Crane, we take pride in tackling challenging projects that require precision, power, and expertise. Recently, our team was called upon to assist SAP America at their headquarters in Newtown Square, PA, with the removal and replacement of rooftop air handling units. This complex operation required careful planning and the use of heavy-lifting equipment to ensure a seamless execution.

To complete the job, we deployed two Liebherr LTM1400-7.1 cranes, each boasting an impressive 500-ton lifting capacity. These powerhouse machines provided the strength and stability needed to safely remove the aging air handling units and install the new models efficiently. Given the rooftop location and weight of the units, precise coordination was essential to avoid any disruptions to SAP’s operations.

In addition to crane services, Thackray also supplied trucking and transport services to haul the new units in and the old units out, ensuring a streamlined process from start to finish. Our ability to manage both lifting and transportation made the operation even more efficient, reducing downtime and logistical challenges for SAP America.

Our experienced team worked diligently to orchestrate each lift with precision, ensuring the project stayed on schedule and met the highest safety standards. From detailed site planning to expert rigging and lifting, every aspect of the operation was meticulously executed to minimize downtime and maximize efficiency.

Projects like this highlight Thackray Crane’s commitment to providing top-tier crane solutions for even the most demanding jobs. Whether lifting HVAC units, structural steel, or heavy machinery, we have the equipment, expertise, and dedication to get the job done right.

Need a trusted partner for your next heavy lift? Contact Thackray Crane today and let’s get to work!