Crown is celebrating 40 years of European manufacturing in Roding, Bavaria. Since the plant opened in 1986, the site has continually expanded and is now a major production facility for the family-owned company, which is headquartered in New Bremen, Ohio, and supplies products to markets around the world.
Crown attributes part of its success to close collaboration between its product development and engineering teams and its customers. As part of an integrated manufacturing process, the company produces up to 85 per cent of its forklift components in-house, which it says gives it 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,” says Ken Dufford, vice president Europe at Crown.
In 2014, Crown opened a second production facility at the site. Components continue to be manufactured at the original plant, while final assembly takes place in the newer assembly hall. At its centre is a test area with a 20-metre-high glass tower, where vehicles undergo testing before leaving the plant.
The company has also invested in training. Opened in 2025, the Crown Training and Development Centre offers hands-on training in forklift and crane operation as well as manufacturing techniques, alongside professional development programmes for apprentices and new employees.
This year, Crown recognised 32 employees in Roding for 25 years or more of service. Among them was plant manager Mario Kulzer, who started at the site in its early years.
“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’,” says Kulzer.
Image: CrownÂ
