LiftLeader Newsletter

WRCA signs agreement to purchase CASAR
Wire Rope Corporation of America, Inc. (WRCA), a producer and marketer of specialty wire ropes, has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire CASAR Drahtseilwerk Saar GmbH and certain other assets comprising its worldwide business (collectively, CASAR).

Headquartered in Kirkel, Germany, CASAR is an European manufacturer of high performance wire rope for use in conjunction with overhead cranes, tower cranes, mobile cranes, offshore cranes and in underground shaft mining applications.

“During the past three years, our company has followed a growth strategy to expand WRCA’s global manufacturing presence and further diversify our end-markets and geographic mix,” said Ira Glazer, WRCA CEO. “The CASAR acquisition accomplishes another leg of this strategy by firmly establishing WRCA in Europe.”

WRCA plans to utilize CASAR as the base for all European operations. This includes investment in plant and equipment as well as the potential for additional jobs in Kirkel. With CASAR as the focal point, the company also plans to expand its export activities, which can translate to more jobs as well.

JLG pledges $2.5 million donation to new medical center
JLG Industries, Inc., a subsidiary of Oshkosh Truck Corp., presented the Fulton County Medical Center (FCMC) with a final contribution of $500,000, bringing JLG’s total donations toward construction of a new medical center to $2.5 million. Craig Paylor, JLG’s president, presented a check to FCMC president and chief executive officer, Jason Hawkins, on behalf of all JLG team members. The new medical center provides health care for Fulton County residents and surrounding communities, including McConnellsburg, hometown to JLG’s headquarters.

“This new medical center is a vital element of enhancing quality healthcare for the entire community, including many of our team members and their families. JLG is honored to support this important phase of the Fulton County Medical Center’s development,” Paylor said.

In 2002 when the Fulton County Medical Center announced their intention to build a $37.5 million replacement facility, JLG kicked off their project with a $1 million donation. In 2006 JLG pledged an additional $1.5 million toward the project.

The new medical center is on schedule to be completed in December. The facility includes a state-of-the-art hospital, a long-term care facility, a new surgical suite and modern medical equipment.

New vice president and general manager appointed to Terex AWP
Terex announced the appointment of Linda Mayer as vice president and general manager, global marketing and product management for Terex Aerial Work Platforms (AWP). Terex AWP includes Genie Industries, Terex Lift, Terex light construction products and Terex Load King.

“We are excited to have someone of her caliber and experience joining us as a key member of our executive team,” said Tim Ford, president of Terex AWP. “Given Linda’s proven track record, we look forward to her skills in establishing global practices, building customer relationships, and growing marketing initiatives through diverse channels. In this new role, Linda will have global responsibility to develop and lead marketing and product management strategy for Terex AWP.”

Prior to joining Terex, Mayer was vice president of Corporate Marketing at Rexnord Corporation, a $1.6 billion manufacturer of power transmission and industrial components. She has also served in a variety of roles including marketing, financial analysis and corporate planning and development for the Kohler Company, a leading manufacturer of plumbing products. Linda also spent time at John Deere Consumer Products, and as SVP of Marketing & Product Development at Moen, Inc.

Manitowoc acquires Shirke tower crane business
The Manitowoc Company, Inc. has acquired Shirke Construction Equipments Pvt. Ltd. Shirke is headquartered in Pune, India, and manufactures Potain tower cranes under license. It is also the Potain distributor for India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Bhutan.

The newly acquired business will operate in the future as Potain India Pvt. Ltd. and will continue to manufacture tower cranes under the Potain name.

“The Shirke acquisition fits with MCG’s policy of providing industry leading customer service through strong local representation,” said Eric Etchart, president of Manitowoc Crane Group. “Customers in India and the surrounding region will benefit from our investment. In addition, Potain’s resources and capability in the global tower crane market will be further strengthened.”

The acquisition gives Manitowoc Crane Group a strong presence in the fast-growing Indian market. The Indian construction market is expected to grow nearly 10 percent a year through 2015, with infrastructure spending expected to increase 40 percent this year. The company has also announced plans for a new Manitowoc Crane CARE facility to ensure its customers in the region receive the very highest levels of service.

Shirke has been in the construction industry since the 1940’s. Since the 1970’s it has focused on tower cranes. The employees and management of Shirke will continue in their current roles.

Magnetek announces crane control patent
Magnetek Material Handling announced the award of US Patent 7,190.146. This invention is intended for new and existing cab-controlled cranes. It replaces traditional static type motor control and interfaces seamlessly with a footbrake to give a crane operator the ultimate control. It also improves reliability and diagnostic capability with state-of-the-art digital technology utilizing Magnetek’s IMPULSE ·VG+ Series 3 Drive platform.

This latest patent is one of many held by Magnetek, which designs, builds and tests products for their customers in their IS0-9001 certified manufacturing facilities. It is the fourth patent invented by Magnetek’s controls product manager Aaron Kureck during his 11 years with the company. All of Magnetek’s adjustable frequency drives feature their exclusive crane and hoist software, with models ranging from basic, compact low cost units to products incorporating the latest in advanced control technology.