PALFINGER Celebrates Century of Mechanics Truck Manufacturing

PALFINGER marked 100 years of work-truck manufacturing rooted in Omaha Standard with a tree-planting ceremony at its Council Bluffs, Iowa, facility, where service cranes and crane bodies are produced. Pictured from left are: Ismael Daneluz, president of PALFINGER North America; James Bates, senior operations manager, PALFINGER North America; Dr. Cara Trede, executive director of Career EdVantage; Bailey McQueen, senior director of strategy, Career EdVantage; Jason Holt, vice president of operations, PALFINGER North America; Chris LaFerla, president & CEO, Council Bluffs Area Chamber of Commerce. 

PALFINGER has marked the 100-year history of its work-truck manufacturing operations, tracing the business back to Omaha Standard’s founding in 1926.

The company held a centennial celebration on October 2 at its Council Bluffs, Iowa, facility, where PAL Pro mechanics truck bodies and service cranes are produced and assembled. The event, held alongside National Manufacturing Day, included employees, retirees, and community members, as well as a commemorative tree planting.

PALFINGER acquired Omaha Standard Inc. in 2008.

The mechanics truck has developed from a truck used to carry tools and equipment into a mobile workspace that can combine storage, lifting capability, power, and specialized equipment for field service and repair.

PAL Pro mechanics trucks are used by technicians in construction, agriculture, and mining. Available configurations combine service cranes, compressors, organized storage, and other accessories.

"A mechanics truck today is much more than a place to carry tools," said Brian Heffron, PALFINGER North America vice president, sales, service cranes & crane bodies. "Technicians need a truck that helps them work efficiently at the jobsite, with the lifting capability, storage, power, and equipment they need close at hand. Our job is to keep listening to how that work is changing and continue developing PAL Pro around those needs."

The Council Bluffs facility’s history also includes long-serving employees. Denny Nelson, a subassembly lead, recently celebrated his 51st work anniversary with the company. His father, brothers, and son have a combined 169 years of service with the company.

“This milestone belongs to the generations of employees whose skill, dedication, and knowledge built the foundation of this operation, and to the customers and partners who have trusted that work for decades,” said Ismael Daneluz, president of PALFINGER North America. “Their pride and commitment continue to shape every PAL Pro mechanics truck we produce today. As we celebrate the past 100 years, we are equally focused on helping customers meet the challenges of the next century.”

PAL Pro configurations can include service cranes along with storage and other equipment. The company said its mechanics trucks support field technicians across several industries.

The Council Bluffs operation also works with local schools and technical colleges on manufacturing workforce initiatives.

PALFINGER supports PAL Pro customers through dealer, service, parts, and technical resources, according to the release.