Tim Ford, president of Terex AWP, and Vincent Dai, vice director of Changzhou National Hi-Tech District (CND) at the official signing ceremony of the new Changzhou manufacturing facility.

Genie Industries, part of the Terex Corporation, has broken ground at its new manufacturing plant in Changzhou, China that will employ up to 400 people when it is fully operationally.

Tim Ford, president of Terex AWP, says the company is excited about breaking ground at the new site with partners ATC Projects and the Changzhou National Hi-Tech District Business Park.

"This endeavour underscores our goal of becoming the most global aerial work platform manufacturer, with local production to meet local needs," he says. "China represents one of the biggest potential markets for us, and China will become one of the largest aerial work platform markets in the world. We know it will happen, and we are positioning ourselves for it."

Genie Industries announced plans to open a factory in China in April (Forkliftaction News #356). The company plans to commence production by mid-2009. This site was chosen for its potential to be enlarged as part of a future Terex manufacturing campus.

"The Asia market in general, and the China market specifically, is learning about the importance of the lift product category," says Ford. "Aerial work platforms are increasingly becoming more widely accepted as a safe option for people who work in high places."

Paul Caldarazzo, vice president of Terex AWP, sees the facility as "a large step in executing our long-term manufacturing strategy".

"It will provide products in strong demand within the region, using many of the best practices that we have developed in our lean manufacturing implementation over the past decade."

Initial production will focus on preparing a line of personnel lifts, but over time a full range of aerial work platform products is expected to be produced from this facility.

Genie Industries established a branch office in China 10 years ago, and has since become known for providing quality products and outstanding customer support.