Hoist, lift and work platform manufacturer Alimak Hek has established an operation in India. The establishment of an operation in India is an important step in global strategy, which entails securing a strong presence in all major regions and countries. The new operation comes on the back of very high growth in demand for construction equipment in India.  

New Holland Construction Moves Manufacturing New Holland Construction announced that starting in September; it will begin production of backhoe loaders at its Burlington, Iowa, plant. This shift will transfer backhoe loader production for the North American market from the company’s Imola, Italy, facility. The Burlington plant, which spans 156 acres and employs over 400 people, already manufactures New Holland Construction tractor loaders.  

Flat Sales for Manitou Despite an overall, first quarter growth in sales of 7.4%, Manitou reported “flat sales” for access platforms. While overall sales in the company’s home market of France grew 12.3%, from ?126.4 million to ?142 million, over the first quarter of last year, sales in other European Union countries remained fairly stable, growing only 0.7% to ?166 million.  

Palfinger Growth Palfinger has announced first quarter results for 2008. Sales revenue at the Palfinger Group rose by 28.7%, from US$252.8 million in the first quarter of 2007 US$325.1 million. Earnings before interest and tax rose to US$46 million and exceeded the previous year’s figure by 23.7%. The EBIT margin amounted to 14.2% compared to 14.8% in the first quarter of the previous year. 

Manitowoc Crane Major Rise The Manitowoc crane group has reported another major rise in revenues, with sales up 29.5 percent to $884.4 million. Operating profits increased 40 percent to $134 million and the divisions backlog increased a further 15 percent during the quarter to $3.3 billion – 72 percent higher than at the same time last year.