Since 2021, Palfinger has been channeling significant investments into the expansion and modernization of its Löbau facility, solidifying its status as a provider of access platforms worldwide. Through digitalization and electrification, these products are poised to become a key pillar of Palfinger’s operations. Thursday, May 16, marked the official inauguration of the European hub for access platforms.
“Our goal is to expand the access platforms into a second strong product line in addition to our main product, the loader crane. That is where the Löbau site plays a very special role,” said Alexander Susanek, COO at Palfinger. “Here, we have made investments specifically in product development, know-how and quality. With a larger capacity assembly line and our focus on service, we are now hitting the ground running.”
At the opening ceremony, Thomas Kralinski, state secretary of the Saxon state ministry for economic affairs, labour and transport, underscored Palfinger's significance as a steadfast employer in the region. He stated, "Today is a very good day for Upper Lusatia, because Palfinger, as a true hidden champion, is committed to growth in the region. The mechanical engineering site in Löbau has a long history. With today's reopening of the site for access platforms, Palfinger proves that the location not only has tradition, but also a bright future. Despite the current economic challenges, companies in Saxony continue investing - even outside the urban centers. In doing so, they are creating qualified jobs in the Free State of Saxony and contributing to the positive development of entire regions.”
Access platforms: Catalyzing Growth and Value Addition
Over the past three years, Palfinger has injected over EUR 14 million into expanding the Löbau facility, resulting in a cutting-edge production hall, a dedicated test area, a service center, and administrative offices sprawling across approximately 78,000 m². The workforce in Löbau has grown by a fifth, now comprising around 300 employees.
Löbau serves as the assembly hub for all four platform classes manufactured in Germany, spanning from the Light NX class, Premium class, and Jumbo NX, to the Top class, offering working heights ranging from 18 to 90 meters. The facility currently produces over ten models, including the P 900, boasting a towering working height of 90 meters, and the environmentally friendly P 280 CK eDRIVE access platform.
With its expansion, the Löbau facility emerges as Palfinger's largest access platform assembly site, seamlessly integrated into the company's robust European production and development network, alongside facilities in Cadelbosco (Italy) and Köstendorf (Austria).
The grand inauguration of the Löbau facility was graced by around 200 guests from politics, industry, academia and international partnerships, spanning 13 countries.
Lift & Access is part of the Catalyst Communications Network publication family.
