40 years of quality and innovation: Crown Lift Trucks in Roding

• Crown Lift Trucks celebrates 40 years of manufacturing in Roding, Germany, evolving into a major global production facility since 1986.

• The company maintains high vertical integration, producing up to 85% of forklift components to ensure quality, cost control, and service.

• Recent investments include a second production facility opened in 2014 with advanced testing capabilities and a 2025 Training and Development Centre for employee skill enhancement.

• Employee loyalty is strong, with 32 staff recognized for over 25 years of service, reflecting steady and sustainable growth aligned with Crown's brand promise.

Crown, one of the world's largest material handling companies, 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'.”