Gehl to Expand Manufacturing Facility

Enlarge Photo Gehl begins expanding facilities in Yankton, S.D.

February 23, 2005 — Gehl Company, West Bend, Wis., has launched an $8.7 million expansion of its manufacturing and research and development (R&D) facilities in Yankton, S.D., where Gehl and Mustang brand telehandlers and pavers are produced. The increased capacity will also accommodate manufacturing several models of telescopic handlers under a license agreement with Manitou.

 

The 49,200-square foot addition will optimize manufacturing flow and facilitate new in-house laser metal-cutting capabilities. Other improvements include automated forming, machining, and welding equipment. A 4,000-square foot addition is also underway to the R&D building.

 

According to Dan Miller, Gehl's director of manufacturing operations, “Our plan to add in-house laser metal-cutting capabilities will reduce costs and shorten lead times.” The company expects to purchase two laser metal-cutting systems in 2005 and a third one in the future, contributing to an annual savings of about $1.7 million.