JLG's Toucan Used in Airbus Production

Enlarge Image The Toucan 910 Aero-JLG  is used to construct the new Airbus airliners.

May 4, 2005 • Toucan® brand aerial work platforms, also known as vertical personnel lifts, will be used in the construction of the new Airbus A380 airliners. The 555-seat airliner, which competes with the Boeing 747, is scheduled to begin passenger service in 2006.

 

The Toucan is produced by Delta Manlift, a wholly owned subsidiary of JLG Industries, McConnellsburg, Pa. “Projects such as the Airbus A380 require equipment that can make designs into reality,” commented Israel Celli, JLG's vice president of international sales, marketing and customer support.

 

One model to be used during Airbus A380 production is the Toucan Model 1600P. It features a horizontal reach of 23 feet while at a vertical height of 46 feet. It allows a clear view of the A380's massive wings for the lift operator. This specialized aerial work platform can be driven and operated conventionally while standing in the basket or while lying down on a specialized attachment, which allows the operator to reach down and accurately place laser sensors required for the construction of the wings.

 

Also used on the project is the Toucan Model 910-2 that features a small basket with folding handrails that can fit between the engine cover supports for inspection and maintenance of all areas of the A380's engines.

 

Another crucial piece of equipment provided by Delta is the Toucan Model 1013, a multi-purpose tool for assembly and maintenance in confined areas. This model provides access to very tight quarters such as the landing gear compartment and includes a "soft-touch" system that keeps the aircraft from being damaged by the lift.

 

Cooperative work between Delta Manlift and Airbus began in 2000 when the Toucan 1010 Aero model was selected for work on the Airbus A340. Operations of Delta Manlift, located in Tonneins, France, were acquired by JLG Industries in May 2004.

 

In other news, Information Week recently named JLG the seventh fastest growing global company in its ranking of The Global 50. Information Week and its sister publication Optimize ranked the companies on the basis of year-over-year growth as a percentage of revenue. The publication looked at companies that reported 2004 year-end fiscal results on or before March 1, 2005, reveal both international and domestic revenue contributions, and were U.S.-based companies that operate both in the U.S. and outside of North America. The Global 50 list is compiled from public data such as SEC filings and Reuters.