New Terex Cranes UK centre

Terex Cranes held an event to mark the opening of its new UK headquarters on 8 August.

Commenting on the new facility, Barry Barnes, Terex Cranes UK managing director, said, "In addition, our improved service, parts storage, delivery, and used crane display areas will make it easier to do business with Terex Cranes."

Terex Cranes, which has been doing business in the UK and Ireland for almost 40 years, chose the Long Crendon location north west of London for its easy access to a motorway, other major roads and airports. It has workshop, training and office facilities.

A full programme at the event included a ribbon cutting ceremony, product displays, awards presentations, speeches, lunch, dinner and a visit to the Heritage Motor Centre. Local mayor Don Butler cut the opening ribbon flanked by Barry Barnes and Doug Friesen (left and right, respectively). A Lifeguards band played.

Doug Friesen, the new Terex Cranes Germany managing director and vice president, who replaced Alexander Knecht (IC August 08 News p6), gave a speech at the event. Friesen said that high on the agenda in his new role is to reduce delivery times for new cranes. Terex Corporation order backlog at 30 June 2008 was more than US$4 billion. Friesen commented that "there are some slippages" in the crane production and said that he will apply his experience in car manufacturing to improve delivery times.