In its 75th year, German machinery giant Liebherr has marked a series of standout achievements, reinforcing its legacy of innovation while charting new ground in logistics, energy, and heavy machinery.
Back in 1949, Hans Liebherr laid the foundation for what would become a cornerstone of the construction and logistics equipment industry with his invention of the mobile tower crane. Fast forward to 2024, and the company is still moving forward—literally and figuratively—under its anniversary motto, “75 years of moving forward.”
One of the biggest headlines of the year came with the announcement of a record-breaking contract with Fortescue, the global player in energy, technology, and metals. The deal includes the delivery of 475 machines—making it the largest single order in Liebherr’s history. The scale of the agreement points to a growing synergy between sustainable industrial operations and next-gen heavy machinery.
While celebrating its past, Liebherr also showed no signs of slowing down. Over 4,000 customers gathered in Ehingen to witness the unveiling of the new LTM 1400-6.1 all-terrain crane during the company’s customer days. The new model blends versatility with compact design—an attractive combination for project cargo and breakbulk operators working in tough, unpredictable environments.
The company’s roots were also in focus this year. In Kirchdorf an der Iller, where the company first started operations, the 100,000th machine rolled off the line—an industrial milestone that underscores both scale and longevity. It’s a number that speaks volumes about Liebherr’s sustained production capabilities over generations.
In a nod to the growing importance of sustainability, Liebherr introduced its first Cradle to Cradle Certified® freezer. This move ties into the circular economy model, focusing on recyclability and sustainable design—topics gaining more traction across the logistics and food storage supply chains.
Another strategic move took place across the Atlantic. A groundbreaking ceremony in Tupelo, Mississippi marked the beginning of a new logistics centre aimed at boosting Liebherr’s operational capacity in North America. For an industry constantly balancing uptime and delivery lead times, this expansion signals a clear investment in responsive logistics infrastructure.
