New Holland Construction to Manufacture Backhoe Loaders in the U.S.
New Holland Construction last week announced that in September it will begin production of backhoe loaders at its Burlington, Iowa, plant. This shift will transfer backhoe loader production for the North American market from the company’s Imola, Italy, plant to the United States.
The Burlington plant, which spans 156 acres and employs more than 400 people, already manufactures New Holland Construction tractor loaders. The addition of New Holland Construction backhoe loaders to the plant’s output will mean increased supply and decreased lead times for North American customers.
“The Burlington plant has long been known as a pillar of the local community, which is heavily rooted in manufacturing,” said Robert Ciecko, plant manager at Burlington. “Significant investments have been made in the plant to continue this tradition, and to continue the standard of quality for every machine that comes off the assembly line.”
The Burlington plant is known for manufacturing excellence in robotic welding, machining, painting and assembly. In addition, $6.75 million was recently invested in plant improvements and expansion, which included in-sourcing chassis welding and loader arm welding and a building upgrade. Additional investment plans will add more than 100 new jobs by April 2009.
“We take pride in building our machines to the highest quality standards, and by bringing production of backhoe loaders closer to our North American customers, we are able to further strengthen this commitment,” said Terry Sheehan, vice president of New Holland Construction, North America.
Production of New Holland Construction backhoe loaders at the Burlington plant will include the B90B, B95B, B95BTC, B95BLR and the B110B models. These were unveiled at this year’s ConExpo in standard, tool-carrier and long-reach versions.
New Holland Construction manufactures and markets a full line of skid-steer loaders, compact track loaders, loader backhoes, tractor loaders, excavators, wheel loaders, telehandlers, crawler dozers and motor graders.