Vera Landoll, almost 98, and her son, Don

Equipment manufacturer Landoll Corp pulled out all stops in a 30 May celebration of the company's 50th anniversary.

"The celebration was a huge success due to 'all hands on deck' working together," says Paula Landoll-Smith, department head for marketing, events, community projects and print shop. Her father, Don, was a founder of the business in 1963, and he was present for the events, along with his mother, Vera, now approaching 98 years of age.

Several visitors commented on the passionate approach and knowledge of team members who explained the functions and processes in each individual's work area during plant tours.

During evening activities at the Marysville airport, the company arranged for inflatables, food, ice cream, games, a display of team members' toys including motorcycles, carriage rides, multiple band performances and a fireworks display choreographed to live music. Special pyrotechnics highlighted the Landoll logo and the number 50.

Landoll served about 2,000 hotdogs, 3,200 bratwurst sausages, 8,088 bottles of water and 3,500 bags of chips.

"We had airplanes of all types flying in for the day," Paula Landoll-Smith reports.

Landoll displayed a Bendi articulating forklift with a 50-year anniversary flag flying above the 39 ft. (12 m) lift height, according to Ed Campbell, Landoll sales manager for Bendi and Drexel narrow-aisle forklifts. "Landoll has now been producing Bendi forklifts for 21 years at their facility in Kansas." Landoll acquired the Drexel forklift line with its SwingMast technology in April 2003.

About 125 people attended a separate luncheon for suppliers, friends and family.

As noted in an industry profile, Don Landoll along with a partner and one hired man opened Quick Service Welding Co on 16 December 1963 as a welding, radiator repair and blacksmith shop in Marysville. Now, the Landoll operation has multiple agricultural, transportation and materials handling business lines, including forklifts.

Landoll employs more than 1,000 staff at operations in Marysville; Beloit, Kansas; and a Brillion, Wisconsin office.