Manitou Group is starting construction of a new mechanical welding plant

First stone laid at new mechanical welding plant dedicated to the platform business.

Manitou Group, a world reference in the handling, aerial work platform and earth moving sectors, is starting construction of a new mechanical welding plant. This investment will enable the Group to in-source an important stage in the manufacture of aerial work platforms, and reinforce its position as a major player in this market.

In front of a group of elected representatives and journalists, Michel Denis, President & CEO of Manitou Group, and Jacqueline Himsworth, Chairman of the Board of Directors, laid the first stone for this new industrial facility. Located near the two platform assembly sites in Candé (Maine-et-Loire), the site will cover 74,000 m², with 20,000 m² of industrial buildings. Manitou Group already has 6 production sites in the Grand Ouest region and is strengthening its territorial roots in its historic birthplace. This €60 million investment is part of a grand plan to develop the Group’s industrial sites, in line with the objectives of the New Horizons 2025 strategic roadmap.

Work will continue until the end of 2025, with production expected to start in early summer 2026. The building will boast 6,000 m² of solar panel roofing, and specific energy management to optimize consumption. Industrial equipment will include scalable assembly workstations to improve operator ergonomics and safety.This new industrial facility will enable the Group to respond to the structural growth of this sector in Europe as well as internationally, particularly in the United States. 

Sylvain Jaguelin, Vice-President of the Aerial Work Platform PU, explains: “The aerial work platform market is a major growth driver for the Group. With this mechanical welding facility integrated into our manufacturing processes, we’ll be able to optimize our production rates and better cope with peaks in activity. However, we will continue to work with our historical suppliers to absorb all demand.”

In the picture, from the left to the right: Gilles Grimaud, President of Anjou Bleu Communauté – Yamina Riou, Pays de la Loire region Advisor; Sylvain Jaguelin, VP Aerial Work Platform PU; Elisabeth Ausimour, President of Product division; Michel Denis, President & CEO; Jacqueline Himsworth, Chairman of the Board of Directors; Florence Dabin, President of Maine-et-Loire Departmental Council; David Poyanne, President of Essor; Pascal Crossouard, Candé Mayor.