25.09.2007

Manitowoc to expand Shady Grove

The Manitowoc Crane Group has begun a multi-million-dollar expansion and renovation programme on its manufacturing facility in Shady Grove, Pennsylvania.

The expansion includes additions to two of the existing 11 manufacturing and assembly shops on the 305 acre (123 Hectare) site.

A 9,000 sqft. (840Sq m) addition will house a new wash, paint and shipping area in the Manitowoc Model 999 crawler assembly building. This portion of the project is scheduled for completion date is January 2008.

The boom fabrication plant will see a 12,000 sq ft. (1,100sq m) extension due for completion around the same time. The expanded facility will allow the assembly of National crane booms to be moved into the main boom building.

The changes are expected to:
- Reduce material handling
- Align assembly functions with the appropriate assembly line station
- Streamline manufacturing and assembly of the National crane line.

Larry Weyers, executive vice president of the Americas region said:
“These additions and renovations to the Shady Grove facility will help streamline our manufacturing process and improve our manufacturing efficiency and will go a long way towards increasing manufacturing capacity in the United States, helping MCG respond more quickly to customer requests and service needs.”

Finally, Manitowoc Crane Group is renovating an existing 36,000 sqft. (3.350 sq m) of office space for Manitowoc Crane Care, including its training facility, providing additional space for the expanded operation. The renovation is due to be completed in February 2008.

Vertikal Comment

The Shady Grove facility was the main Grove manufacturing plant for many years and was principally built in the 1970's. Its numerous buildings require a large amount of material handling with pick and carry cranes and numerous forklifts shifting sub assemblies from one building to another.

Anything that can reduce that material handling and streamline the production flow will yield signiificant benefits.