In the third decade of the company’s history, Liebherr ventured overseas. The company is also growing in Europe. Continued growth raises questions about the group’s future organizational structure – the path for the next generation is beginning to change.
1971-80 Global expansion
In 1970 Liebherr gained a foothold in the Americas. Local customer service and proximity were important to Hans Liebherr and later Liebherr-America Inc. founded in Newport News, Virginia. The company supplies hydraulic excavators, tracked machines and front loaders to the North American market and also represents the following sectors: metal cutting machinery, materials handling and aerospace equipment.
In 1974 new companies followed in Guaratingueta (Brazil) and Burlington, Ontario (Canada). In Europe, the company is responding to increased demand with new production sites in Austria and Switzerland.
1977 First all terrain crane
Even during the restructuring, Liebherr distinguished itself through technological innovation. In 1977, the company introduced the LTM 1025, the world’s first all-terrain mobile crane for combined on-road and off-road use. The 24 meter long telescopic arm and 25 ton load capacity open up completely new application areas. Together with its successor model, the LTM 1030, the crane defines the all-terrain concept.
This pioneering move was recognized across the industry and the company enjoyed increased sales and exports in the years to come.
