"It's going to be significant:" The Manitowoc Co. moving crane operations to PA; 528 employees impacted

MANITOWOC -- Hundreds of jobs are expected to be leaving Manitowoc after an announcement late Monday afternoon, August 8th from The Manitowoc Company. Company officials plan to move the crane manufacturing operations to Pennsylvania. 528 employees will be impacted.

Founded in 1902, The Manitowoc Company has been a long-time staple.


 “You drive in here to town, you see Manitowoc cranes,” said Brian Herron of Manitowoc. “You see one of them big cranes right along the highway.”


The Manitowoc Company plans to start transitioning its crane manufacturing to Shady Grove, Pennsylvania in the third quarter of 2016, with a completion by the middle of 2017.

“I hate to estimate the number of jobs that might be going, but it's going to be significant,” said Manitowoc Alderman Jim Brey.

According to a letter sent to the Manitowoc mayor and Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development, the move will impact 528 employees.

Company officials say its headquarters, crane product engineering and crane support functions will remain in Manitowoc.

"After a comprehensive analysis and review of our current manufacturing footprint, coupled with current market conditions, we believe this restructuring initiative will ensure that our business continues to meet and exceed the needs of our customers every day,” said Barry Pennypacker, president and CEO of The Manitowoc Company.

“It's been an institution similar to the Mirro Corporation when they were here,” said Brey. “Almost everyone in this community has had someone that has worked or known somebody that has worked at Manitowoc Company.”

Manitowoc Company estimates the move will generate annual pre-tax cost savings between $25 million and $30 million.

Some workers told FOX6's sister station WLUK they were told they will meet with company officials on a one-on-one basis. However, they haven't been told whether they will be offered jobs in Pennsylvania.

The letter to the mayor and DWD states that the layoffs are permanent.