January
Anniversary: 75 years of Liebherr
2024 sees Liebherr celebrate its 75th anniversary under the motto ‘75 years of moving forward’. Ever since Hans Liebherr invented the first mobile tower crane in 1949, the Group has been shaped by a pioneering spirit and an innovative prowess. With more than 50,000 employees in over 50 countries, Liebherr is always setting new standards across multiple sectors. The anniversary year was celebrated around the world together with employees, customers and partners in honour of the impressive success story and the technological advancement.
Award for automation solution
Liebherr-Verzahntechnik GmbH received the Best of Industry Award in the Robotics category for its automated solution for dismantling battery packs from electric vehicles. This innovation is part of the ZIRKEL project on recycling battery systems, which is funded by Germany’s Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF). Liebherr is working on strategies for efficiently dismantling high-voltage battery systems and maximising the recovery of components and raw materials. In November 2023, the first pilot plant was set up and put into operation in Wolfsburg (Germany).
February
New generation of mixing plants for challenging construction sites
The new generation of mixing plants, Mobilmix 3.0 A-R, is launched and is the ideal solution for construction site operations. The double plant delivers up to 250 m3 concrete per hour and can be ready for operation within three weeks of delivery. Its innovative drive technologies enable operators to make dramatic cuts to their consumption of both energy and cement. The Mobilmix plant offers a high degree of flexibility when it comes to storing aggregates and binding agents. It also reduces CO2 emissions by means of precision cement dosing and optimised mixing processes.
March
Major investment in China
In March, Liebherr Components (Dalian) Co., Ltd. opens its production site in Dalian (China) – on an area measuring 44,000 m2, the components product segment brings together the production of gearboxes, slewing bearings and hydraulic cylinders. Three cutting-edge production lines there have already been manufacturing gearboxes for the wind energy and construction machinery sectors since October 2023. In 2024, operations expand to include the series production of slewing bearings. With an investment of €110 million, the Group cements its long-term commitment to China.
April
On an icy mission: HS 8200 takes part in Greenland’s airport projects
In icy conditions, some 250 km north of the Arctic Circle, an HS 8200 duty cycle crawler crane is being put to work dredging for Munck Civil Engineering. Greenland’s biggest construction project is set to establish two new airports in Ilulissat and Nuuk to allow larger aircraft to land in future. The HS 8200, featuring a 35 m long boom and 3.5 m3 round-shell grapple, achieves an output of almost 1,000 m3 per shift. With the dredging assistant from Liebherr, the operator can access important data in real time regarding the quantity and position of the material. The extreme arctic conditions and the logistical difficulties of weekly supplies make this a particularly challenging deployment for the duty cycle crawler crane.
Innovative drive technologies at Intermat
In keeping with its ‘On your site’ motto, Liebherr presents electrical, hydrogen-based and hybrid drive solutions at the Intermat 2024 exhibition in Paris (France) and demonstrates how these can help with the fulfilment of ecological and economical goals. A spotlight is also shone on the Liduro Power Port (LPO) mobile energy storage system. The high power density and compact design of the LPO enable efficient and flexible supply to hybrid or fully electric construction machinery and plants with a wide range of power requirements. Liebherr also presents machines optimised for use in cities and other urban environments. Through these technologies, Liebherr is making an important contribution to the climate-neutral construction site of the future and to climate action as a whole.
May
Mobile construction cranes conquer the US market
Liebherr brings its mobile construction cranes to the USA! All models are now available there, and combine the benefits of a tower crane with the manoeuvrability of a mobile crane. They are quick to set up and get ready for operation, making them ideal for cramped construction sites and whenever multiple deployments per day are needed. The cranes lift loads of around two tonnes at a jib length of almost 60 m, offer numerous safety features and are assembled and disassembled at the push of a button. Various camera systems provide optimum all-round visibility and the height-adjustable cab gives the crane operator a perfect view of the construction site.
June
The major attraction at the Ehingen customer day: the LTM 1400-6.1
The new LTM 1400-6.1 all-terrain crane is unveiled as part of the customer days at Liebherr’s Ehingen plant. With a load capacity of 400 t, it is the world’s strongest 6-axle crane. Over 4,000 customers from all over the world marvelled at the crane’s capability and the speed at which it is ready for deployment. The innovative Y guying of the telescopic boom means the crane is assembled and ready for work in next to no time. This presentation of the crane – together with a spectacular drone show – formed the highlight of the Ehingen customer days, which were capped off with a family day and attended by around 25,000 visitors.
© Airbus S.A.S. 2016 – photo by A. PECCHI
Liebherr supplies next-generation flight control computers to Airbus
Liebherr-Aerospace has been commissioned by Airbus to supply two new integrated next-generation flight control computers for the A320 family. These innovative devices, developed and manufactured at the sites in Lindenberg and Lindau in Germany, meet the highest safety standards and ensure greater operational reliability. They support future functions and help reduce pilot workload. The contract was secured thanks to Liebherr’s clear focus on research and development of highly integrated solutions for high-performance and multicore control computers. Liebherr-Aerospace Lindenberg GmbH is Liebherr’s centre of excellence for flight control systems, landing gear, gearboxes, electronics and software. Liebherr Electronics and Drives GmbH is the specialist for developing and manufacturing electronic hardware. Together, they provide the expertise in electronic systems for the flight control computers from a single source.
Final phase of the Sagrada Familia construction project
The 710 HC-L 32/64 Litronic and 125 HC-L luffing jib cranes from Liebherr play a central role in the final project phase for the construction of the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona (Spain). On the basis of their ability to adapt and their adjustable booms, these cranes were selected to ultimately complete the 172 m tall tower of Jesus Christ. Assembling the 710 HC-L at a height of 54 m represented a major challenge. It then had to climb to a height of 130 m. Despite the restricted space and the continuous flow of visitors in the basilica, the assembly was a great success thanks to careful planning and close collaboration.
July
A one of a kind to mark the anniversary
Liebherr celebrates the production of the 100,000th machine at the Group’s original location of Kirchdorf an der Iller (Germany) to coincide with the 75th anniversary. In 1949, pioneer Hans Liebherr invented the world’s first mobile tower crane and, with it, laid the foundations of the Group we see today. The anniversary machine, an LH 22 M Industry, is truly a one of a kind, signed by all the employees. This machine stands out for its high degree of flexibility and mobility, and is ideal for the recycling sector. With the very latest in engine and hydraulics technology, it delivers both fuel efficiency and increased material handling performance.
August
Tyrolean hospitality meets modern luxury
The rooms and suites on the lower floors of the Interalpen-Hotel Tyrol in Austria have been given a sparkling makeover. The spaces have been refurbished to combine traditional Tyrolean design with modern accents and comfort. High-quality natural materials, artisan craftsmanship and stylish details create a calming atmosphere and refined ambience. Warm wood surfaces, luxurious fabrics and elegant furniture make it cozy and inviting. The new rooms on the south side have an individually adjustable climate ceiling that regulates the temperature from outside, eliminating the need for air conditioning.
Expanding the MyLiebherr service
Liebherr expands its digital service for earthmoving and material handling machines. Using MyLiebherr Maintenance and MyLiebherr Performance, customers can operate their machine fleets with greater efficiency and reliability straight away. MyLiebherr Maintenance reduces unforeseen downtime and optimises maintenance work by providing clear status displays and detailed machine data. MyLiebherr Performance helps to identify inefficient operations, reduce idle time and save fuel. Performance data is displayed in a consolidated view, and consumption values can be compared. These intelligently linked solutions lower the operating costs and improve machine availability.
September
Signing on the dotted line of the biggest order in company history
At MINExpo in Las Vegas (NV/USA), Liebherr signed a contract with global iron ore company Fortescue to secure the delivery of 475 machines – the single largest order in Liebherr’s company history. Together, they want to be the world’s first provider of locally emission-free yet autonomous machines in the mining sector. The contract incorporates the development of technologies for zero-emissions and autonomous operations as well as the supply of 360 battery-electric mining trucks, 55 electric excavators and 60 battery-electric crawler dozers. Supported by its partner Fortescue, Liebherr is pursuing its goal of ensuring that its entire product range for the mining industry is no longer dependent on fossil fuels by 2030.
A freezer for the circular economy
The refrigerators and freezers product segment has developed the FNXa 522i, the first Cradle to Cradle Certified® freezer. Cradle to Cradle Certified® is a registered trademark of the Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute. The certification is based on a comprehensive, globally recognised and cross-industry standard for designing and rating products for the circular economy. It evaluates products in five areas: material health, material reutilisation, renewable energies, water management and social justice. The FNXa 522i freezer with BluRoX technology is the result of over ten years of development and represents a sustainable future. The three core principles of C2C – water equals food, use renewable energy and celebrate diversity – define the design philosophy and help create closed, regenerative systems.
October
© Stadler Rheintal AG
Propane-based HVAC systems for Stadler’s Nordic Express
Liebherr-Transportation Systems is supplying 166 propane-based heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) units for Stadler’s new NT FLIRT NEX trains, also known as the Nordic Express. These HVAC systems use the environmentally friendly refrigerant propane (R290) and will be delivered starting from early 2025. The order includes 34 HVAC units for cabs and 132 units for passenger compartments. The units are produced at Liebherr-Transportation Systems Marica EOOD in Tsaratsovo/Plovdiv (Bulgaria) – Liebherr’s centre of excellence for manufacturing HVAC systems. Propane is a climate-friendly alternative to conventional refrigerants, providing reliable, low-maintenance HVAC solutions with minimal downtime. This helps Liebherr to support sustainable mobility in rail transport.
An investment in close customer relations
A new branch in Schüttorf (Germany) opens, merging the previous sites of Münster (Germany) and Lingen (Germany). The site welcomed the public to have a first look as part of a special two-day opening ceremony. The branch offers extensive support for construction machinery from the Liebherr earthmoving segment and also runs a rental service. Spanning an impressive 17,800 m2, the site incorporates cutting-edge assembly hall bays, an administrative building and even a photovoltaic plant on its roof. At the opening ceremony, customers and business partners had the opportunity to get up close with Liebherr technology and enjoy a varied supporting programme of activities. The new branch is intended to further enhance the service available locally and strengthen close customer relations.
© STRABAG, Martin Anger
Pioneering work in the quarry
Liebherr and STRABAG launch a pilot project for decarbonisation in the construction sector. At Kanzelsteinbruch quarry in Gratkorn (Austria), over the course of two years, STRABAG tests the world’s first large wheel loader to have a 9-litre and 4-cylinder hydrogen engine, the Liebherr L 566 H. The green hydrogen is supplied by Energie Steiermark. At the project unveiling, Climate Protection Minister Leonore Gewessler praised the commitment shown by both companies. The L 566 H should cut annual carbon emissions by up to 100 t. This pilot project demonstrates how alternative drive technologies can help to reduce emissions and highlights the importance of hydrogen as an energy carrier of the future.
November
Half a century of innovation
50 years of excellence in mobile harbour cranes. Since the introduction of the LGM 1130 in 1974, Liebherr has continuously advanced, bringing innovative models like the LHM 250 and LHM 550 to market. The fully electric LPS 420 E and the new LHM series reflect the commitment to sustainability. Liebherr has taken a leading role in the global market for mobile harbour cranes. This is thanks to the consistent satisfaction of customers who rely on the brand’s proven equipment and comprehensive service network, which reaches even the most remote locations.
December
New logistics centre for the American market
Liebherr celebrates the groundbreaking ceremony of a new cutting-edge logistics centre in Tupelo (MS/USA). With an investment of $176 million, the facility will improve logistics capacities and create new jobs. The centre will serve as a continental warehouse for Liebherr-Logistics GmbH, distributing products from various different product segments. At the opening ceremony, members of the Liebherr family and local representatives emphasised the significance of the project to the region. The logistics centre will use the very latest technologies to optimise service for customers throughout America.
