Tadano plant expansion continues

JAPAN: Expansion continues at Tadano in Japan with the opening of its new truck loader crane manufacturing plant in Tadotsu. Construction started in June 2006 as part of the company's $97 million (�A5; 11.5 billion) reorganization of domestic facilities to create a trio of factories. A range of construction cranes are now being produced at Tadano's Shido plant, while the company's Takamatsu site specializes in aerial work platforms.

In late July, 130 employees and customers joined President Koichi Tadano, along with the Tadotsu town mayor, to unveil the first crane from the new plant, before full-scale production got underway. Ninety workers are employed at the site, which has the capacity to produce about 900 units a month.

A company spokesperson said the factory would provide an integrated production system incorporating the latest laser cutting technology, robotic welding and cation-electrodeposited painting, along with an automated warehouse with multi-story shelves.