Haulotte Group streamlines production at Ohio plant

Haulotte Group has reorganized and streamlined its manufacturing process at its Archbold, OH plant in order to prepare for a planned increase in aerial work platform production. The plant, which also manufactures BilJax scaffold and staging, has improved its raw material storage, machining, welding, fabrication, assembling, paint, test and warehousing logistics over the last year, the company said.

Haulotte is expanding its AWP manufacturing in Ohio; recently rolling the first electric 2632E scissor off the new line. These machines join the 1930E scissors, trailer mounted lifts and lightweight self-propelled (X-Boom) machines.

"Most certainly we are looking forward to 2013 and driving the first HB67RTJ out the doors," said Tami Becher, Marketing Director for Haulotte North America. Unveiled by Haulotte at Intermat this year, the North American market will be served with a machine manufactured domestically.

"We will manufacture the ANSI/CSA version in Ohio, and continue with the HT23RTJ being manufactured in France," said Becher. "Many cross functional teams have worked together to make this happen; all in the best interest of Haulotte customers and commitment to North America."

The company moved permanent office structures if they were in the "flow of production," said Lyle Fogerty, Industrial Manager for Haulotte North America.

In addition, new overhead cranes were installed, the lighting system updated, racking systems and machinery reorganized to increase overhead visibility and a new floor coating applied. "This all took place with little disruption to production," Fogerty said. "We also took this opportunity to cross train talent maximizing employee efficiency across departments and shifts."