Expansion and restructuring

In the third decade of company history, Liebherr makes the jump overseas. The company also expands further within Europe. From the continual growth, the question concerning the Group's future organizational structure is raised – the course begins to change for the next generation.

  • 1974 Sales campaign in Canada

    The existing organizations in North America receive support from a new company in Canada. In 1974, Liebherr-Canada Ltd. starts selling hydraulic excavators from the Burlington site in Ontario (Canada).

  • 1974 Liebherr conquers the America market

    Liebherr branches out on the American continent and in February of the same year establishes Liebherr Brasil Ltda in Guaratinguetá, São Paulo (Brazil). Focal points of production are marine cranes, harbor cranes and shipyard cranes.

  • 1976 New production sites in Austria

    Half way through the 1970s, the Liebherr factory in Ehingen is pushed to its limit. Hans Liebherr decides to relocate marine crane production to Nenzing (Austria). Accompanying this move, series production of crawler tractors and crawler loaders begins in Telfs, Tyrol.

  • 1978 Construction machine components from Switzerland

    Liebherr Machines Bulle SA is founded in Bulle in Kanton, Fribourg (Switzerland) where drive and control system components for construction machines are produced. Today, the product range includes diesel and gas engines as well as hydraulic components.

  • 1980 Lienz – the fourth location in Austria

    February 1980 witnesses another factory opening ceremony. Henceforth at the Lienz site in East Tyrol (Austria), staff produce refrigerating and freezing equipment, chiefly for commercial purposes.

    • 1971-80 Global expansion

    In 1970, Liebherr takes root on the American continent. Service as well as the proximity to local customers are important to Hans Liebherr and subsequently Liebherr-America Inc. is founded in Newport News, Virginia. The company supplies the North American market with hydraulic excavators, crawlers and wheel loaders and, in addition, represents the following areas: machine tools, material handling and aeronautical equipment.

    In 1974, new companies follow in Guaratinguetá (Brazil) and Burlington, Ontario (Canada). In Europe, the company responds to rising demand by introducing new production sites in Austria and Switzerland.

    The LTM 1025 all-terrain crane impresses both on and offroad.

    The LTM 1025 all-terrain crane impresses both on and offroad.

    1977 First all-terrain crane

    Even during restructuring, Liebherr distinguishes itself through technological innovations. In 1977, the company presents the LTM 1025, the world's first all-terrain mobile crane for combined onroad and offroad use. Its telescopic arm, measuring 24m in length, and a load bearing capacity of 25 tons make completely new areas of use possible. Together with the successor model, the LTM 1030, the crane establishes the all-terrain concept.

    This pioneering move gains recognition throughout the industry and the company enjoys growing turnover and export in the ensuing years.