Liebherr aims high

by Colin Sowman

Liebherr aims to be among "the top five construction equipment manufacturers" and "in all main markets of the world", said Bruce Field, managing director of Liebherr Great Britain.

Speaking at SED, Field said the company wants to expand its product range - especially on the earthmoving side: ADTs are missing from the line up, as are backhoe loaders. A range of telehandlers will be introduced next year.

While not discounting acquisitions, Field said most of the growth would be organic, adding that the company is independent, profitable and strong. It is selling equipment, such as rehandling kit, into Japan and has a range of joint ventures in China. But it is not as strong as it would like in the US.

David Milne, director of Liebherr Great Britain, who looks after the cranes side of the business, contrasts the company's commitment to the UK with general uncertainty in the cranes business. "We are moving to a 3.8ha site in Biggleswade with 5,000m2 of workshops," he said.

l Liebherr Great Britain has appointed Young Electrical Company as exclusive agent for all tower crane parts, service and warranty work throughout Ireland. The Dublin-based company has 25 years experience of repair and maintenance work on tower cranes and holds a large stock of spares for its team of service engineers.