40 years of quality and innovation: Crown Lift Trucks in Roding
Crown, is celebrating 40 years of European manufacturing in Roding, Bavaria, Germany. Since the plant opened in 1986, the site has continually expanded and is now a major production facility for the family-owned company headquartered in New Bremen, Ohio, providing products for markets around the globe.
Vertical integration at a high level ensures quality and service
One of the key factors behind Crown’s success is the close collaboration between its product development and engineering teams and its customers. In addition, as part of its integrated manufacturing process, Crown produces up to 85 per cent of its forklift components, laying the foundation for precise control over quality, cost and service performance.
“40 years in Roding means 40 years of continuous progress, from local innovation and modern manufacturing processes to solutions for a global market. This is where Crown delivers quality customers around the world can count on,” said Ken Dufford, Vice President Europe at Crown.
Ongoing investments in the site and workforce
In 2014, Crown marked another historic milestone in Roding with the opening of a second production facility that meets all the requirements of modern manufacturing technology. While components continue to be manufactured at the original plant, final assembly takes place in the spacious new assembly hall. At the centre is a test area featuring a 20-metre-high glass tower, where new vehicles undergo comprehensive testing before leaving the plant.
Crown is also committed to investing in its employees. Opened in 2025, the Crown Training and Development Centre (TDC) offers hands-on training in forklift and crane operation, as well as advanced manufacturing techniques. The company also provides professional development programmes to prepare apprentices and new employees for their roles.
This year, Crown recognised 32 employees in Roding for 25 years or more of service. Mario Kulzer, Plant Manager, was among the employees recognised: “To me, it’s a real success story that we started in 1986 with 50 employees and have grown to the size of what we are today. This shows that Crown is growing steadily and sustainably, and that our products, solutions and services have consistently been in demand. Our production makes a decisive contribution every day, bringing our brand promise to life: 'When every minute matters, customers can count on Crown to keep their businesses moving'.
About Crown Equipment Corporation – EMEA
Crown is one of the world’s largest material handling companies with a reputation for award-winning product design, advanced engineering and technology, as well as superior after-sales service. Crown’s business philosophy utilises vertically integrated processes to design, manufacture and distribute forward-thinking, innovative solutions that improve customers’ productivity and operating efficiency. Crown produces a broad range of forklifts, batteries and chargers as well as automation and fleet management technologies.
The company’s global headquarters is located in New Bremen, Ohio, USA, with regional headquarters in Australia, China, Germany and Singapore. Its employees number more than 20,300 worldwide. Crown operates a service and distribution network that exceeds 500 retail locations in over 80 countries. To learn more about Crown’s ideas for helping customers advance the productivity of their operations, visit crown.com.