Wisconsin crane manufacturer Manitowoc has pledged to reconstruct Notre Dame cathedral for free after it almost burned down earlier this month.
Barry Pennypacker, Manitowoc’s president, said: "It seemed natural to us that Potain, our tower crane brand that for more than 90 years has been involved in the construction of the most emblematic works of French architecture, be committed to rebuilding Notre Dame.
"Our cranes and technical expertise will be there to meet the challenge of a rapid reconstruction of the cathedral."
Manitowoc said it had presented the offer to French authorities.
Following the fire an inquest was launched into restoration works on spire, almost €500m was immediately pledged for restoration and, international firms were invited to design a new spire.
Image: The Notre Dame cathedral on fire (Valerii Kotenko/Dreamstime)