Crane manufacturer The Manitowoc Co. announced earlier this month that it has been curtailing its operations in Russia since the beginning of the conflict in Ukraine and stopped taking new crane orders. Manitowoc has about 20 local employees and sales to Russia comprised less than 2 percent of total sales in 2021.
“While doing our best to support our local team members, we have and will continue to comply with all sanctions and conduct our business in accordance with all applicable laws,” said Aaron Ravenscroft, president and CEO of Manitowoc. “The safety and well-being of our employees and their families are our top priorities.”
Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine began, numerous manufacturers have pulled their business out of Russia following strict western sanctions against the country. Deere & Co., for example, halted shipments to Russia and Belarus. Deere has had a presence in Russia since 1973 with a manufacturing and parts distribution facility in Moscow.
Also, Caterpillar stopped operations in its manufacturing facilities in Russia. “Operations in Russia have become increasingly challenging including supply chain disruptions and sanctions, and we are suspending operations in our Russian manufacturing facilities,” the company said last month. The Caterpillar Foundation is donating more than $1 million to support the urgent and long-term needs of the Ukraine humanitarian crisis.
Metso Outotec has halted all shipments to Russia. Finnish aerial equipment manufacturer Dinolift said it is suspending all shipments to Russia and Belarus. JCB suspended all operations, including exports of machines and spare parts to Russia. And Komatsu suspended all shipments to Russia.
Other manufacturers have supported the international sanctions and suspended operations in Russia and Belarus.
