Kalmar using innovation to go green

A Kalmar terminal tractor may be recognized by its red and white logo, but soon, employees hope their products will be distinguishable by their new green standards, too.

Federal emission standards are constantly increasing, and Kalmar not only is keeping up, but the company is striving to be a leader in innovation.

The terminal tractor most likely will have a new look by 2011. Engine manufacturers such as Cummins and Caterpillar will design new, environmentally-sound engines and Kalmar’s engineers will design new bodies to house them. Dealer Administration Manager Jeff McCullough said the company is even looking to make powerful hybrid terminal tractors.

As a leading material handling equipment manufactuer, McCullough said “we’ve been No. 1 since day one” has been a company motto in the past. He said the company will stick to this and stay ahead of competition, including environmentally.

“We’ve always been conscious of the environment,” McCullough said. “Now more than ever, customers are requesting it.”

Because of a need to design new engines and meet the needs of new Kalmar businesses on the East coast, Kalmar is adding 28 new offices for new employees to fill. McCullough said most of the new offices are for the corporate positions and are not being added to the manufacturing side of the business.

As one of the top employers in the county, Elizabeth Gibson, Kalmar communications officer, said Kalmar is considered a reliable employer in the community.

In return, the company has a lot of loyalty, with some individuals who have stuck with it for 40 years.

“We’ve been able to retain some loyal employees who are proud to work here,” Gibson said.

Last year third in sales only to 2005 and 2006, Gibson said.

The company expects the company to complete its 45,000th terminal tractor in April. The company celebrates production in increments of 5,000 and the last milestone was in June of 2006.