Liebherr's American journey: transforming manufacturing and construction
For over 50 years, Liebherr has thrived in the United States as a leading manufacturer of highly advanced mining trucks and a provider of a vast number of solutions and services across 12 product segments. With three generations of family leadership at the Liebherr Group, Liebherr in the United States remains dedicated to drive innovations in construction and manufacturing, developing cleaner, more efficient systems that support the future of mining, material handling, and heavy equipment industries.
Founded in 1970, Liebherr USA has grown into five companies, employing over 1,700 individuals across diverse roles, including manufacturing, engineering, sales, and service. With 15 company-owned locations and an extensive distribution network, Liebherr serves the entire United States, providing top-quality products and dedicated customer support nationwide.
Strategic investments
Today, Liebherr continues expanding its capabilities and operations across North America, prioritizing innovation, quality, and customer support, reflecting its dedication to excellence and its customers' needs.
In 2020, Liebherr invested $60 million into its Virginia facilities adding over 250,000 sq ft to the existing Newport News campus. This investment created a new administrative building to enhance product and service support. Additionally, Liebherr established in-house training facilities for technicians to gain real-world experience with Liebherr equipment, a state-of-the-art workshop for the assembly and repair of earthmoving, concrete, and mobile and crawler machines, and an extensive warehouse that increased storage capacity by 50 %.
In 2024, Liebherr announced a $72.3 million investment to expand its manufacturing capabilities in Newport News, VA. The project, expected to be completed in 2025, is anticipated to create 175 new jobs.
Additionally, in 2024, Liebherr announced an initial investment of $176 million to establish a state-of-the-art logistics center in Tupelo, MS, aimed at enhancing the company's logistics capabilities. Upon completion in 2026, the center will create 180 new jobs, with plans for further expansion expected to generate over 300 jobs in the long term.
Looking to the future, Liebherr is planning additional investments in Houston, TX, to establish a new sales and service facility. This facility will support Liebherr cranes and construction customers in the region, enhancing service and accessibility.
Manufacturing in the USA
With manufacturing front of mind, the Newport News mining plant is notable for its role in manufacturing Liebherr's range of diesel-electric mining trucks, which can handle payloads of up to 400 tons. These trucks are partly assembled, tested, and certified at the Newport News facility before being completed at mines worldwide. The facility's capabilities are further strengthened by its state-of-the-art technology and a dedicated team of researchers and engineers committed to developing advanced technologies and sustainable solutions.
Liebherr’s Zero Emission Mining Program is a key part of its strategy to decarbonize mining operations by offering adaptable, low-carbon solutions. Liebherr has already introduced equipment compatible with renewable fuels including HVO, along with technologies such as the Trolley Assist System that connects trucks to electric grids to reduce diesel use. By 2030, Liebherr aims to provide fossil fuel-free alternatives for all its mining products.
As part of their ongoing commitment to Zero Emission Mining, Liebherr and Fortescue announced a significant expansion of their partnership at MINExpo 2024. The partnership includes jointly developed technology that paves the way for carbon-free mining and features a total of 475 zero emission Liebherr machines.
As the mining truck plant undergoes further expansion, this construction lays the foundation for progress and innovation in the mining industry. Mining is integral to nearly every aspect of modern life including the infrastructure and technology we use daily. By enhancing the Newport News facility, Liebherr in the United States ensures a steady supply of essential resources. This investment not only strengthens the economy but also drives innovation in technology and sustainability.
“We’re thankful for the partnerships with the cities of Hampton and Newport News and the Commonwealth of Virginia that have greatly enriched our operations and enabled Liebherr Mining Equipment to bring 175 new jobs and investment to the region,” noted Cort Reiser, managing director of Liebherr Mining Equipment Newport News Co.
Celebration of construction on the National Mall
This year, to further demonstrate its commitment as an OEM, Liebherr USA participated in the Association of Equipment Manufacturers' Celebration of Construction on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., to engage with participants and highlight the vital role of construction equipment in the U.S.
"Celebration of construction on the National Mall provided an opportunity to showcase innovative products and construction solutions utilized across the country,” notes Kai Friedrich, managing director, Liebherr USA, Co. “Liebherr's dedication to the U.S. market extends beyond manufacturing, as we are deeply committed to supporting local communities and promoting sustainable practices within the construction industry.”
The event allowed attendees to experience Liebherr’s innovative machinery firsthand and discuss key industry topics such as emissions technology, alternative power, safety, and workforce development.
Future talent
Building a pipeline of future talent is also critical to the success of Liebherr in the United States. Liebherr in the USA launched a partnership with a local institute in Virginia to create a Heavy Vehicle Technology program for learners studying to be technicians. This co-op education program gives students the opportunity to work as part-time employees in Liebherr repair shops, so they gain hands-on, real-world experience.
Additionally, multiple Liebherr divisions including mobile and crawler cranes, earthmoving, and concrete technology hold in-house training in Virginia, Florida, and Texas for dealer and customer technicians to become more familiarized with Liebherr machines, assistant systems, and trouble shooting. These trainings consist of multiple days of classroom and hands-on learning with Liebherr certified trainers.
All Liebherr companies in the United States also hold many recruiting opportunities in local communities to meet with local education partners and technical schools, starting conversations that will lead to the creation of more training and support programs to help build a skilled workforce throughout the country.
Here’s a look at our team across the country
