Manitowoc, already the largest manufacturer in Franklin County, plans to add 200 people to its facility in Shady Grove, Pennsylvania, over the first half of 2011.  The plant, which makes telescopic cranes for use in construction, laid off about750 people two years ago, many of whom are still part of the areas long term unemployed.  Many of these workers returned to Manitowoc as the company added 200 people in the last half of 2010.

The worldwide demand for cranes is picking up again as construction projects, particularly in Latin America, the Middle East and other developing areas, come online.  “Exceptionally strong order rates toward the end of the fourth quarter drove year-over-year and sequential sales growth for our crane segment,” said CEO Glen E. Tellock.