Liebherr-Werk Biberach GmbH, a global leader in tower and mobile construction cranes, will invest a nine-figure sum to modernise its Biberach (Riß) site by 2034. The first phase includes a multi-million-euro upgrade and expansion of the production plant, underscoring Liebherr’s long-term commitment to the region and its skilled workforce.

“We are building one of the most advanced crane production facilities in the world,” said Werner Seifried, Managing Director for Development and Production at Liebherr Tower Cranes. “Evolving market dynamics, rising competition and increasing customer expectations demand innovation. Our goal is clear: to position Liebherr Tower Cranes as the sustainable market leader for cutting-edge lifting solutions.”

Crane production has been a part of Biberach since 1954, when Hans Liebherr laid the foundation for what is now a Group of more than 150 companies. The next phase of development will see the refurbishment, replacement and restructuring of buildings on Memminger Straße—some dating back to the early 1980s.

The modernisation will create a highly automated production ecosystem capable of manufacturing around 500 top-slewing cranes, over 200 mobile construction cranes and 3,000 tower sections annually. Modular production will integrate development, manufacturing and quality functions more closely, enabling flexibility and long-term capacity utilisation. Construction work will take place without disrupting ongoing operations.

Aligned with European climate goals and ESG principles, the project emphasises energy-efficient buildings, resource-saving processes and future-ready infrastructure. New technologies—including automated welding systems, robotic edge-rounding units and advanced metal processing centres—are already in operation and will be absorbed into the upgraded plant.

Liebherr’s international production footprint will be strategically rebalanced: Pamplona (Spain) will specialise in bottom-slewing cranes, while Pune (India) will focus on top-slewing cranes for price-sensitive markets. The Tower Crane Centre will move from Bad Waldsee to Bad Schussenried, where a new rental, repair and testing hub will be established. Space in Bad Waldsee will support logistics during the transition.

The Biberach project will be executed in five phases through 2034. Liebherr will provide targeted training to employees throughout, reinforcing that the investment is not only in infrastructure but also in people. “Our investments will deliver state-of-the-art capacity and the highest standards of quality and safety,” said Michael Weißschädel, Managing Director Production at Biberach.

At a recent employee event, Dr Dietrich Birk, Managing Director of VDMA Baden-Württemberg, praised the initiative: “Liebherr’s firm commitment to Baden-Württemberg sends a powerful signal. This project demonstrates how competitiveness, sustainability and regional responsibility can go hand in hand.”