March 11, 2014 – JLG Industries, an Oshkosh Corp. company and global manufacturer of aerial work platforms and telescopic material handlers, will soon welcome customers and JLG equipment owners to its expanded customer training centre in McConnellsburg, Pa.

The $2.5 million, 15,000-sf centre, due to open this summer, features a new bay for hands-on training and a ground course for hands-on driving and operating skills.

“The customer training centre 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 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.”

According to Rick Smith, JLG senior director of product training, the facility has increased the size of its bay by 7500 sf, which allows for JLG to train several classes at the same time. “But more importantly, we can now accommodate up to four large pieces of equipment in that space, increasing opportunities for hands-on training,” he continued.

“But what is just as exciting are plans for what we’re calling the Proving Ground, which will be located behind the new centre,” he said. “This six-acre tract of land will include obstacle courses and proving grounds designed to train participants in the operation of JLG equipment.”

The Proving Ground aims to 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 jobsites. Construction of the Proving Ground is scheduled to begin this month.

The expanded indoor space will include upgrades to existing classrooms and improved media and sound equipment, a new break area, and food and drink service.