01.06.2007

Link Belt expands

Link-Belt Construction Equipment has announced that it is to expand its crane manufacturing and support capabilities at its worldwide headquarters in Lexington Kentucky.

The $24 million expansion project will add 90,000 sq ft (8,400 Sq m) of space to the existing 592,000 sq ft (55,000sqm) facility, an increase of 15 percent taking it up to 682,000 Sq ft (63,400sqm).

The space will accomodate an additional telescopic crane assembly line in addition to a dedicated boom component shot blast and painting facility. A total of 120 additional jobs will also be created.

Link belt has been based in Lexington since 1986.

The Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority has given preliminarily approval for Link-Belt to receive tax benefits of up to $2.4 million under the Kentucky Industrial Development Act an incentive program designed to attract and expand manufacturing operation in the state.

“Link-Belt has a long and successful history in the Lexington community and is an excellent business partner for the state of Kentucky,” said Governor Ernie Fletcher. “This new expansion project will allow Link-Belt, a world-renowned company, to continue its growth and success right here in the bluegrass.”

Chuck Martz, Link Belt’s president and CEO said “This expansion will further expand Link Belt’s commitment to serve customer needs worldwide with quality crane products and superior customer support,”

Vertikal Comment

Link Bet exhibited at the recent Bauma and SED shows in Europe and had a good reception to their possible entry into the European market.

However with 18 month delivery times for their most popular models, the company will need more production capacity if it is to expand its geographic coverage.

This current expansion may not be enough, given that some of it will be dedicated to product support..