JLG Industries Inc. will soon welcome customers and JLG equipment owners to its expanded customer training center in McConnellsburg, Pa. The $2.5 million, 15,000-sq.-ft. center, due to open this summer, features a new, significantly larger bay for hands-on training and a ground course for hands-on driving and operating skills.
“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.”
“We have increased the size of our bay by 7,500 square feet, allowing us to train several classes at the same time,” said Rick Smith, JLG Industries senior director of product training. “But more importantly, we can now accommodate up to four large pieces of equipment in that space, increasing opportunities for hands-on training.
“But 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 job sites. Construction of the proving ground began in March.
The expanded indoor space will include upgrades to existing classrooms, featuring improved media and sound equipment. In addition, visitors also will be able to enjoy the new break area, featuring food and drink service.
For more information, visit www.jlg.com.
