Construction Equipment Guide
470 Maryland Drive
Fort Washington, PA 19034
800-523-2200
Fri April 03, 2009 - National Edition
In order to more efficiently meet growing domestic and global demand for its bridge-related platform equipment, Terex Hydra Platforms recently completed a $1.8 million expansion of its Rock Hill, S.C., manufacturing facility. The 15,000 sq. ft. (1,394 sq m) expansion increases manufacturing space by 60 percent to more efficiently handle the increased production volume of the under-bridge access and new bridge worker equipment lines.
An adjacent, new 1,622 sq. ft. (151 sq m) painting facility helps to ease this manufacturing bottleneck and opens more space within the main building for equipment assembly.
“Space was getting tight, so we needed the larger facility to more efficiently supply increasing equipment demand,” said Garth McGillewie Jr., director of Terex Hydra Platforms.
The larger manufacturing space increases the number of assembly lines from two to three, offering separate lines for its bridge workers as well as truck- and trailer-mounted under-bridge access equipment. Three 10-ton (9.1 t) cranes replace those of half the capacity for more efficient production of the truck-mounted Terex Hydra Platforms HPT43, HPT52, HPT55, HPT60 and HPT66 models, which offer from 43 to 66 ft. (13.1 to 20.1 m) platform lengths.
“Previously, we assembled our larger trucks in two stages, but with the additional crane capacity we can complete the assembly in one stage,” said McGillewie.
The addition of a new loading dock allows units to be driven directly onto a trailer once completed and shipped right to the dealer or customer’s job site.
The Terex Hydra Platforms line of self-erecting, under-bridge aerial access platforms consist of five truck-mounted and two trailer-mounted designs. Since being acquired by Terex in early 2008, Terex Hydra Platforms has introduced a new bridge worker platform for fast removal of overhang brackets, bridge fascia work and utility work on bridges. All models offer contractors rapid mobilization, quick onsite setup and unmatched safety features. Self-propelled at the job site via controls located at the platform, these units reduce labor time and costs associated with bridge construction, maintenance and inspection, according to the manufacturer.
Becoming part of Terex Roadbuilding has increased demand for Terex Hydra Platforms equipment by providing access to more customers domestically and globally who can benefit from the unique under-bridge aerial access and bridge worker platform designs.
“Despite the tough economic conditions of 2008, our sales were up 33 percent from 2007 as more companies experienced the unique advantages of our equipment line,” said McGillewie. “With access to more markets, we had to expand our manufacturing facility to supply this increase in demand.”
For more information, visit www.terex.com.