Skyjack has experienced a shift to smaller units

Linamar Corp reported its Skyjack business subsidiary is supplying customer needs from inventory and, for now, manufacturing only on demand for equipment not in inventory. Skyjack product lines include aerial work platforms and telehandlers.

The firm says the Skyjack manufacturing operation was idled in late November in a situation characterised as "basically lights out." Resumption of normal Skyjack operations is contingent on market conditions.

While the subsidiary is experiencing activity, Skyjack lacks an order backlog at this time, the company says. Skyjack experienced a shift in its scissor lift sales mix to smaller units with lower per-unit revenues in 2008.

Skyjack reports within Linamar's industrial segment, which had 2008 sales of CAD443.6 million (USD363.0 million) versus 2007 sales of CAD517.7 million (USD423.6 million). The industrial segment designs and produces mobile industrial products under the Skyjack brand.

Guelph-based Linamar management indicates it is focusing on cost reduction, opportunities for sales and potential takeover opportunities. Linamar's other business segment involves powertrain and driveline equipment.