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Since opening a U.S. branch in Emmetsburg, Iowa, in 1992, Skyjack has been successful in manufacturing compact elevating work platforms, Iowa facility General Manager Michael O’Hara says. In fact, the company manufactures the unit that makes up approximately 50 percent of the market segment, he notes.

“We make a robust unit,” he says. “Our machine is simple to use and maintain.”    

Skyjack manufactures scissor lift work platforms ranging from 19 to 56 feet in height. Its products include DC electric scissor lifts, rough terrain scissor lifts, telescopic boom lifts, Zoom Boom telehandlers and VR telehandlers. “Providing customers with the highest quality and most reliable products have been the key to Skyjack’s success thus far, a reputation the company will build on in the future,” he says.

Its 19-foot indoor scissor lifts, or compacts, are the most popular, O’Hara says. “The compact lift is one of the highest produced units by volume,” he says. “The compact units have a small footprint, are easy to maneuver and allow access to buildings and worksites, therefore anyone can use one.”

The company has incorporated upgrades to the units due to customer requests and better materials in the marketplace, he notes. In 2009, Emmetsburg will begin producing 12-foot man-lifts, ideal for building maintenance that only requires one person and a small footprint to work with. “The market research has shown that a need is out there, therefore the company plans to fill that need,” he explains.

Surviving Slowdowns
Skyjack was founded in 1986 in Guelph, Ontario, Canada. In the 1990s, the company grew to encompass 30 percent of the aerial lift market share in North America.

“Despite poor market conditions and a major consolidation of the rental industry in recent years, Skyjack remains a dominant player that has adapted rapidly to the changing face of the industry,” the company says.

However, demand has slowed down over the past several months, O’Hara says, which in turn has slowed down output. “We mitigate the slowdown regrettably with layoffs and sporadic plant shutdowns,” he says. “This saves our core work force without reducing our ability to meet any future customer demand.”

He predicts the volume and demand will pick up in late 2009 or early 2010 since all business cycles are just that – cycles, he explains. “After the upswing of the last few years, the economy does need a break,” he says. “I believe that everything will be in order to maintain a steady flow of production.”

Stringent Testing
Skyjack received ISO certification in 2006, and implements a stringent quality inspection process, O’Hara says. “The product will not move to the next production station until it passes all internal [tests],” he says.

For example, the product is examined for defects such as welding issues, missing parts and poor paint quality before moving on. “It is checked numerous times throughout the plant,” he adds.

“Quality and reliability are the hallmarks that have given Skyjack a solid reputation as the manufacturer of the best scissor lifts in the world,” the company says. “Skyjack products are manufactured, sold and supported worldwide,” it adds.

To provide quality products, the company requires on-the-job supervised training for all new employees. “We look for employees that have pride in their work.”

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Safety Training
Safety training is also important to the company. One of Skyjack’s training options is the Aerial Work Platform Training (AWPT) Inc., a subsidiary of the International Powered Access Federation. It is the only safety training program that complies with the ISO 18878 mobile elevating work platforms operator (driver) training requirements, the company notes. It has two AWPT authorized training centers: one in St. Charles, Ill., and the other in Guelph.

The company also offers the Skyjack Operator Training Program, which includes materials from the AWPT program. “We believe that this process is one that greatly benefits our customers, as well as owners and operators of aerial work platforms, and industry as a whole,” it says. “We hope [customers] will embrace and support these new initiatives.

“We enjoy the interaction with our customers, if we are able to train the end user, we know our product will be used correctly and safely thus ensuring years of trouble free service,” it adds.

Supporting Education
This year, the company presented its first annual welding scholarship that will allow a student to obtain welding skills at Iowa Lakes Community College in Iowa. “Welding is a lost art and if anyone is interested enough, we wanted to remove a barrier to get the education that they desire,” O’Hara explains.

The goal is that the scholarship winner will work at Skyjack after completing his or her education. “That was our intention,” he notes. “We offered it to people in the local community.”

Linamar Acquisition
In 2002, Linamar, a manufacturer of precision-machined components, assemblies and modules, acquired Skyjack. “Linamar’s solid balance sheet gives Skyjack increased strength and flexibility,” Skyjack says.  

“Building on a foundation of over 40 years of successful growth, we are a leading-edge supplier of engine, transmission/driveline, modules and systems, and mobile aerial work platforms,” Linamar says. “From machined components to sophisticated power train modules and fully-realized mobile industrial products, Linamar is the supplier of choice, the investment opportunity of choice and the employer of choice.”

Industry Links
Skyjack is a member of several organizations, such as:

• American Rental Association – It provides services in industry information, government affairs, work foce development, markeplace opportunities, risk management, consumer awareness and volunteer services for its members.
• Associated Equipment Distributors ­ ­– An international trade association that represents companies in the distribution, rental and support of equipment for construction, mining, forestry, power generation, agriculture and industrial applications.
• Rental Association of Canada – A not-for-profit industry trade association that promotes the success of its members and advances the growth of the rental industry.