In 1974, Liebherr introduced its hydraulic excavators to the Canadian market. Now, 50 years later, Liebherr Canada has grown to represent nearly every aspect of the Liebherr Group’s vast product line from its 11 branches across the country.
To mark its 50-year anniversary, Liebherr Canada invited its staff, customers and business partners to its headquarters in Burlington, Ontario, on July 11.
“Reflecting upon the past 50 years, we can’t help but be humbled by the journey that has brought us to this moment,” said Paul Robson, Managing Director of Liebherr Canada. “From our entrepreneurial beginnings as a pioneering startup, to becoming a trusted leader in our industry, we have faced challenges and triumphs that have shaped us into the company we are today.”
Third generation Liebherr family members Sophie Albrecht and Patricia Rüf, who also serve as members of the administrative board of Liebherr International AG, were on hand to help commemorate the 50-year milestone.
“Such anniversaries give us the opportunity to keep our history alive. They make it clear how far we have come and what we have achieved together,” Albrecht said. “Today on behalf of our family, we would like to thank all of you that have made Liebherr moving forward possible.”
Liebherr at 75
While Liebherr Canada celebrates 50 years, Liebherr Group is commemorating its 75th anniversary.
In 1949, Hans Liebherr invented the TK10, the world’s first mobile tower crane, to help expedite the rebuilding of Germany.
Liebherr then developed the L300, Europe’s first hydraulic excavator. To remedy a shortage of components, the company then moved into the production of gearboxes and slewing bearings for construction equipment.
In 1954, Liebherr expanded into the refrigeration business and six years after that, entered the aviation industry.
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Today, Liebherr’s product portfolio includes equipment for concrete, foundations, earthmoving, mining, material handling, components and cranes, as well as aerospace, transportation, refrigeration, gear technology and automation systems. The Liebherr Group also owns six hotels in Europe.
The company now employs more than 50,000 people in 50 countries.
“Our grandfather Hans Liebherr was a true pioneer, and this is reflected in our milestones,” Rüf said.
While Hans Liebherr continuously expanded his company’s products, he also identified new markets where his machines were needed. In the 1970s, Liebherr began its expansion strategy, and Canada was identified as a new location to sell its machinery.
Liebherr Canada began as a branch of Liebherr USA in Mississauga, Ontario, selling hydraulic excavators. Today, the Canadian company is responsible for nearly every product division produced in the Liebherr Group from its 11 branches across the country.
“In 1974, he recognized the relevance that Canada would have for his company, and he was proven right,” Rüf said.
“Today Canada is one of our top 10 markets and we can proudly say that we have become rooted in this great country.”
The next 50
Looking ahead to the next 50 years of Liebherr in Canada, Managing Director of Liebherr Canada Tom Juric said it will be defined by transformation, as new technologies like automation, artificial intelligence and renewable energy emerge.
He noted future success will be realized by economies and businesses that value innovation, entrepreneurialism, advanced manufacturing and sustainable development.
“Canada is well positioned to capitalize on this,” Juric said.
“We possess a vast wealth of natural resources; we operate in a rules-based economy and we have a highly educated workforce. That alone suggests that Canada’s best days sit ahead of it.”
For Liebherr, Juric explained its core competencies of innovation and customer-centric decision making ensure the company will be well-poised for the next half century in business. He added the company is planning to make impressive investments in its Canadian infrastructure and workforce in the coming years.
“The next 50 years hold an immense opportunity for Liebherr Canada, we see a strong and bright future across the country,” Juric said. “Here’s to another 50 years of moving forward together.”
