Link-Belt is Poised for the Future
updated: 2010-04-21 0:00:00 hit:750
Link-Belt Construction Equipment Co. is exhibiting four cranes at Bauma in April, 2010. The fact that this is Link-Belt’s largest presence ever at the Bauma show is no accident. In the midst of a global recession, Link-Belt is confident in the future and looks to seize more global market share.
This confidence is clearly evident in the company’s recent actions. Since 2008, Link-Belt has embarked on significant expansion and upgrading of its manufacturing capabilities. It has invested in excess of $25 million in formed boom production capabilities and is one of the very few crane builders in the world manufacturing its own formed boom. In 2009, Link-Belt began a second, $10 million expansion that will house manufacturing of the HTC-3140 and TCC-750. These expansions will be completed in mid-2010 and will position Link-Belt to meet future market demands.
Through this economic downturn, Link-Belt has also invested in its core employee base. Whereas many manufacturers have used wholesale layoffs to slow production and control inventory, Link-Belt has used only temporary, partial plant shutdowns. This strategy is significantly more expensive than simply laying off workers but it allows Link-Belt to maintain its core, highly skilled workforce.
“We want customers to know that we will be ready when they are,” said Bill Stramer, vice president, marketing sales and customer support. “Because of our financial strength, we have not only weathered this storm, we have invested in our future and our people. We look forward to coming out of this economic slump stronger than ever and producing better cranes than ever. Our customers can count on it.”