FIND A CONTRACTOR BUYER'S GUIDE
BECOME AN INDUSTRY PARTNER
MCAA Logo
MEMBER LOGIN JOIN
NEWS
World of Concrete 2026 Registration Is Open ↗

JLG quadruples size of customer training center

Words: Melissa AguiarJLG Industries, Inc., an Oshkosh Corporation company [NYSE:OSK] and a global leading manufacturer of aerial work platforms and telescopic material handlers, will soon welcome customers and JLG equipment owners to its expanded customer training center in McConnellsburg, Pa. The $2.5 million, 15,000-square-foot center features a new, significantly larger, bay for hands-on training and a ground course for hands-on driving and operating skills.

“The customer training center 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 Corporation 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.”

“We have increased the size of our bay by 7,500 square feet, allowing us to train several classes at the same time,” said Rick Smith, JLG Industries senior director of product training. “But more importantly, we can now accommodate up to four large pieces of equipment in that space, increasing opportunities for hands-on training.

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

According to Smith, the Proving Ground will 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 begins in March.

The expanded indoor space will include upgrades to existing classrooms, featuring improved media and sound equipment. In addition, visitors will also be able to enjoy the new break area, featuring food and drink service.

To learn more about training opportunities available at JLG, visit www.jlg.com.
 0
MASONRY STRONG Podcast, Episode 36 Recap: Kim Spahn, CEO of the Concrete Masonry Checkoff
January 2026

On this episode of the MASONRY STRONG Podcast, Justin got to sit down for a conversation with Kim Spahn to talk about the Concrete Masonry Checkoff, how Kim first got involved in this industry, and much more.

Justin Stengel
The MASONRY STRONG Podcast
Read More
From Day One to Long-Term Success: Onboarding Strategies for Contractors
January 2026

The construction industry is facing one of its toughest challenges in decades. Companies are struggling to find enough skilled workers while competing to keep the ones they have. At the same time, projects are becoming more complex, deadlines are tighter,

Matt Dibara
Business Management
Read More
Finding the Right PPE for Your Work
January 2026

When it comes to PPE, one thing’s for sure: safety isn’t one size fits all. The work you’re doing, where you’re doing it, and even what time of year it is, can all make a big difference in what gear actually works. Price, comfort, and job performance all

Greg Brown
Safety Library
Read More
Back Injuries: The Real Cost and How to Prevent Them
January 2026

The mention of back injuries makes mason contractors cringe, and for good reason. Masons lift heavy objects every day, all day long. When a person sustains a back injury, it is serious. It affects every part of their life, from their ability to perform wo

Zach Everett
Safety Library
Read More