Palfinger celebrated 100 years of work-truck craftsmanship at its Council Bluffs, Iowa, facility.
Held in conjunction with National Manufacturing Day, the centennial celebration brought together employees, retirees and community members to recognize the people, relationships and expertise that have shaped the operation over the past century.
The event included a commemorative tree planting at the Council Bluffs facility, symbolizing the roots established over the past 100 years and the generations of people connected to its history.
"This milestone belongs to the generations of employees whose skill, dedication and knowledge built the foundation of this operation, and to the customers and partners who have trusted that work for decades," said Ismael Daneluz, president of Palfinger North America. "Their pride and commitment continue to shape every PAL Pro mechanics truck we produce today. As we celebrate the past 100 years, we are equally focused on helping customers meet the challenges of the next century."
The company has remained actively engaged in the community while also investing in the future workforce through partnerships with local schools and technical colleges. These efforts help raise awareness of manufacturing careers and support the skilled workforce that will carry its legacy into the future.
Built by Generations
Since its founding in 1926, Omaha Standard evolved alongside the people and industries that build, repair, transport, grow and serve, from family farms and local trades to commercial fleets and national enterprises.
Palfinger acquired Omaha Standard Inc. in 2008, bringing its work-truck manufacturing expertise into Palfinger's North American operations.
Today, that legacy continues at Palfinger's Council Bluffs facility, where PAL Pro mechanics truck bodies and service cranes are produced and assembled. Denny Nelson, a subassembly lead, exemplifies this dedication, having just celebrated his 51st work anniversary with the company. Together with his father, brothers and son, the Nelson family has 169 years of combined service.
Truck Body to Mobile Workspace
The role of the mechanics truck has evolved significantly over the past century. For today's technicians, a mechanics truck is more than transportation. It serves as a mobile workspace that combines storage, lifting capability, power and specialized equipment needed to perform service and repair work in the field.
PAL Pro mechanics trucks support technicians working in industries including construction, agriculture and mining. Available configurations combine service cranes, compressors, organized storage and other accessories to meet the needs of specific applications.
As equipment becomes more complex and fleets look for ways to improve productivity, Palfinger continues to work closely with customers and partners to understand how mechanics trucks are used and where designs can continue to evolve.
"A mechanics truck today is much more than a place to carry tools," said Brian Heffron, Palfinger North America vice president, sales, service cranes & crane bodies. "Technicians need a truck that helps them work efficiently at the job site, with the lifting capability, storage, power and equipment they need close at hand. Our job is to keep listening to how that work is changing and continue developing PAL Pro around those needs."
As Palfinger marks this centennial milestone, the company remains focused on building on a century of craftsmanship, innovation and customer partnership while shaping the next generation of PAL Pro solutions.
For more information about PAL Pro mechanics trucks, visit Palfinger.com.
