Liebherr Celebrates Half Century In U.S.
In 1970, Liebherr, the global construction machinery and technology manufacturer whose founder, Hans Liebherr, invented the mobile tower crane in 1949, launched its U.S. operations in Newport News, Va., under the name Liebherr-America Inc. At the time, Liebherr’s North American presence focused on supplying hydraulic excavators, crawlers and wheel loaders, along with machine tools, material handling and aeronautical equipment.
Over the 50 years since, Liebherr has continued to grow its American presence. Under the umbrella company name Liebherr USA Company, Liebherr companies based in the United States include Liebherr-Aerospace Saline Inc., Liebherr Gear Technology Inc., Liebherr Mining Equipment Newport News Company, and Liebherr Automation Systems Company.
Liebherr’s products are available through its own locations scattered across the United States and through a network of independent distributors.
“Liebherr has built its U.S. business on a foundation of trust, innovation and engagement with customers,” the company said in announcing its 50th anniversary. “Five decades later, Liebherr’s growth, diversity and stability are evidence of how the company is united by success with customers as they work on the challenges of tomorrow and focus on the future together.”
The company’s theme for its 50th anniversary celebration is “United by Success.” Throughout the year, Liebherr will highlight its 10 product divisions in the United States and its commitment to customers, employees and business partners.
“The ‘United by Success’ campaign shows that our customers and our company are one through each other’s successes and are stronger together,” said Torben Reher, managing director of Liebherr USA Company, in a statement.
Newport News Expansion
This year, the company will complete the expansion of its Newport News base of operation. The $60 million expansion will open this spring and is directly adjacent to Liebherr USA Company’s longtime facility. The new buildings will add more than 250,000 square feet to the company’s existing 560,000-square-foot facility. The company operates 13 other locations in the United States, from the East Coast states to Miami, on the Gulf Coast in Houston, on the West Coast, and inland in Arizona, Wyoming, Nevada and Missouri.
Customers can look for special anniversary events on the web, social media and at industry events. Liebherr will have a special anniversary exhibit and host VIP events at MINExpo in Las Vegas September 28–October 1.
With a total of just over 46,000 employees in 2018, Liebherr’s presence in the United States includes close to 1,800 employees. In 2018, sales for Lieb-
herr in North America ranked third by region at more than $1.5 billion—a 17.5 percent growth over the previous year.
