JLG Industries Inc. plans to open its newly expanded, $2.5 million, 15,000 sq. ft. customer training center in McConnellsburg, Pa. in the summer of 2014.
Rick Smith, JLG Industries senior director of product training commented at ConExpo, "If you don't know how to properly operate or service your equipment, uptime suffers. Properly trained customer means more productive customer and that's our goal."
The new facility features bay space that's been increased to 7,500 sq. ft. and houses four large machines, increasing the hands-on training activities.
“What is just as exciting are plans for what we’re calling the Proving Ground, which will be located behind the new center,” said Smith. “This six-acre tract of land will include obstacle courses and proving grounds designed to train participants in the operation of JLG equipment.”
According to Smith, the Proving Ground will simulate a working construction site. Attendees will be assigned loads to move and obstacles and hazards to maneuver around and over, including slopes, grades, and telephone poles with simulated power lines. The goal of the standard-setting training is to help participants master equipment operation as they learn to overcome some of the more difficult challenges encountered on jobsites. Construction of the Proving Ground begins in March.
The expanded indoor space will include upgrades to existing classrooms, featuring improved media and sound equipment. In addition, visitors will also be able to enjoy the new break area, featuring food and drink service.
“The customer training center will be a world-class facility where we can engage with our customers from all over the world, provide training and education, and share best practices for the lift and access industry,” said Frank Nerenhausen, Oshkosh Corporation executive vice president and president of JLG Industries. “We want to help customers get the most out of their investments in JLG equipment and services to help them improve their business performance.”
Source: Industrial Lift and Hoist
