 A LiuGong 2025A forklift |
LiuGong Construction Machinery NA LLC is moving its North American operations about 1.3 mi. (2.1 km) in Katy and increasing its leased space to 35,000 sqft. (3,252 sqm) from 14,000 sqft. (1,301 sqm).
Further LiuGong North America expansion is contemplated.
"We are in the process of identifying a large tract of land to buy and build a permanent facility to include parts warehouse, training centre, shop, paint booth, fabrication and assembly, equipment proving ground and equipment storage yard," says Marc Dowdell, LiuGong North America president. "While we are eager to put a shovel in the ground for the larger, permanent facility, land acquisition and construction is a longer process. Due to our rapid growth and increased personnel and parts stocking requirements, we needed to make this strategic interim move to support our growing dealer network today."
The interim solution involves a newly constructed commercial building in EastGroup Properties Inc's Ten West Crossing III development in Katy. LiuGong will utilise 27,000 sqft. (2,508 sqm) for parts warehousing and close to 8,000 sqft. (743 sqm) for offices and training functions.
LiuGong started North American operations in Katy in 2008. LiuGong says the interim move comes after LiuGong announced its most profitable year in North America.
For its forklift business, LiuGong currently has 12 dealers with 27 branches in North America. "We are in the process of adding six new dealers with another 25 branches," says Ken Biediger, forklift commercial director.
Currently, LiuGong employs 30 staff for North America, "but we are adding three new staff within the next six weeks," Biediger notes.
During the ConExpo-Con/Agg show from 4-8 March in Las Vegas, Nevada, LiuGong will show a 2025H 5,000 lb. (2,250 kg) LPG pneumatic-tyre forklift truck and a 2018AT 3,500 lb. (1,575 kg) electric three-wheel forklift truck.
LiuGong North America is a subsidiary of Guangxi LiuGong Machinery Co of Liuzhou, China and works closely with another LiuGong subsidiary, Dressta Co Ltd of Stalowa Wola, Poland, which markets construction equipment manufactured at LiuGong Machinery Poland.