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Eight new machines added to product range
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Staff numbers increased over 25% in past 6 months from 400 to 500+
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Staff levels will increase by another 75 employees in next 60 days
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$7m investment in new paint line and plant equipment
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2008 total production increasing 60% on 2007 levels
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Additional 100,000sq ft of production floorspace
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New, more efficient manufacturing and assembly techniques
Snorkel International demonstrates its evolution into a major full line manufacturer of aerial work platforms at Con Expo 2008.
At Con Expo, Snorkel will unveil eight new US-built models, including electric scissor, mast and articulated boom lifts aimed at the construction and industrial maintenance sectors, along with the unique ˜SpeedLevel™ rough terrain vertical lifts.
The machines will be built at Snorkel™s facilities in Kansas, which is receiving an initial $10m of investment to help it expand production.
The new machines and investment follow Snorkel™s acquisition by The Tanfield Group Plc, the UK engineering company.
A spokesman for Snorkel said: The addition of these machines means Snorkel is now a full line manufacturer of aerial work platforms and a major player in the industry.
We are investing in plant and people, to make sure that these new machines are introduced in line with Snorkel™s great reputation and high standards for quality and on-time delivery.
Demand has soared so much that a program is now underway to increase output by over 60%, compared to 2007.
Staff numbers have already risen by over a quarter at the two Kansas facilities, from 400 employees to over 500 and Snorkel will add another 75 workers by early Spring.
The company is investing a further $7m in a leading edge paint plant and other machinery, to help maintain high quality standards while improving build efficiencies.
Snorkel isadding 100,000sq ft of extra manufacturing floor space in Kansas, while smarter working practices will also free up more of the existing facility and reduce machine build times.
The Tanfield Group Plc has been manufacturing aerial work platforms for a decade. It acquired UpRight Powered Access in 2006 and has turned it into a major force once more in Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia-Pacific regions.
Following the acquisition of Snorkel International in August 2007, Tanfield has merged the two product ranges and adopted a dual branding strategy. The new, full line of aerial lifts in EMEA and Asia-Pacific is sold under the UpRight brand, while Snorkel is the preferred brand for the Americas and Australasia.
The new models in the Snorkel range are as follows:
1. TM12
The Snorkel TM12 is a compact, battery powered mast lift that can be driven through standard doorways and carried in passenger elevators, yet will still lift two people with tools to a safe working height of 18ft. It is ideal for a wide range of applications, including stock picking and record storage retrieval in offices and warehouses.
2. S2633 scissor lift
The Snorkel S2633 is an ultra-narrow self-propelled scissor lift that can fit through a gap less than 3ft wide, but still provides a safe and effective working height of up to 32ft.8in and excellent maneuverability. Standard features include roll-out deck extension, hydraulic depression mechanism, non-marking tires and swing-out service modules.
3. SR2684SL
The diesel-powered SR2684SL incorporates unique Speed Level technology, with oscillating axles. These allow the machines to self-level at gradients of up to 35%. The robust, heavy duty sigma arm lift offers a safe working height of up to 32ft in the toughest of conditions.
4. Snorkel SR3084SL
The Snorkel SR3084SL is the big brother to the SR2684SL. When other machines don”t make the grade, the SR3084SL has the self levelling capability to get the job done. It also provides a large platform area, making any working at height task both safe and easy.
5. Snorkel M2032J
The ultra-narrow MB2032J is just 32in. wide, but offers a superb working envelope and the basket can carry two people with tools. Ideal for applications in tight spots which require “up and over” capabilities, the articulating jib offers outreach of 8ft.7in. and the 360° mast rotation provides a safe working height of up to 25ft.8in. The MB2032J is driveable while elevated and has an inside turning circle of just 12in.
6. Snorkel M2639J
The M2639Jmast boom lift is versatile, compact and highly maneuverable. It provides a safe working height of up to 32ft.3in. and outreach of 9ft.9in., but is still less than 3ft. wide! The 360° rotating mast and 138° articulated jib provide access to the most difficult to reach places. Perfect for internal applications, the M2639J can be driven while elevated and comes with non-marking tires as standard.
7. & 8. Snorkel AB38N and AB38W
The tried and tested AB38 is one of the best self-propelled booms in its class. Tough, durable and reliable, its up-and-over articulated boom design provides the operator with a fantastic versatile working envelope. Smooth, one-hand proportional joystick control gives superb reach and precision in the air, while the slim 4ft.11in.-wide chassis, 1ft.3in. inside turning radius and 36% gradeability delivers greater manoeuvrability and accessibility in narrow aisles. The special wide version of the much-loved AB38 has all its great features but is much easier to transport. Its lighter weight also makes it perfect for internal use where floor weight is an issue.
