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The Baraga Plant and Its Role in Modern Manufacturing
Nestled in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, the Pettibone factory in Baraga remains a quiet but enduring symbol of American industrial resilience. While many mid-sized equipment manufacturers have been absorbed by conglomerates or shifted production overseas, Pettibone continues to assemble machines in the U.S.—including its signature telehandlers and swing loaders. The plant’s output is modest compared to global giants, but its machines are built with a focus on durability, simplicity, and field serviceability.
One recent shipment from Baraga included a swing loader bound for Union Pacific’s Denver station. This particular unit featured a 180-degree swing capability and a magnet attachment, tailored for rail yard material handling. The swing loader’s design allows operators to load and unload from either side without repositioning the machine, making it ideal for confined or linear work zones.
The Swing Loader and Its Unique Capabilities
Pettibone’s swing loaders are distinct from conventional wheel loaders due to their side-to-side boom articulation. This feature is especially valuable in rail, forestry, and utility sectors where space is limited and precision is critical. The loader’s hydraulic system allows for smooth swing motion, while its rugged frame and high ground clearance make it suitable for off-road conditions.
Key specifications for modern swing loaders include:
- Swing Loader: A loader with a boom that pivots side-to-side, allowing lateral material placement
- Telehandler: A telescopic handler used for lifting and placing loads at height or distance
- Magnet Attachment: An electromagnet used for lifting ferrous materials, often in rail or scrap applications
A Factory Without Overhead Cranes
One of the more surprising details about the Baraga plant is its unconventional lifting strategy. Instead of overhead cranes, the facility uses a Pettibone 30 rough terrain crane to move heavy components in and out of the assembly building. This mobile crane enters the structure as needed, performing lifts that would typically be handled by gantry systems. While unorthodox, the method reflects Pettibone’s hands-on approach and reliance on its own equipment.
A dealer who toured the plant described the scene as “crazy to see,” yet effective. The use of in-house machines for assembly tasks underscores the brand’s confidence in its own engineering and its commitment to practical solutions over high-cost infrastructure.
Historical Footprint and Product Evolution
Pettibone’s history dates back to the early 20th century, with roots in crane and material handling equipment. At one time, the company produced entire portable crushing plants, serving the aggregate and mining industries. That division was phased out in the 1980s, but the legacy of rugged, purpose-built machines remains.
In the 1960s, models like the Multikrane 25 featured advanced features for their time, including four-wheel steering and drive, Hercules gas engines, and Funk transmissions. These machines were used in quarries and industrial sites across North America, and some are still in service today. Rebuilding engines and transmissions on these units was common practice, and parts—while scarce—can still be sourced with effort.
Modern Challenges and Global Pressures
Despite its continued U.S. presence, Pettibone has faced the same pressures as other mid-tier manufacturers. A merger with Barko and shifts in management have led to changes in sourcing and strategy. While the company once proudly declared that its mainframes and booms would always be made in the U.S., production of some components moved to China around 2011.
Dealer support has also fluctuated. Longtime dealers report that the brand’s identity has become harder to maintain amid constant restructuring. Still, the machines themselves remain well-regarded, and the swing loader line continues to serve niche markets effectively.
Conclusion
The Pettibone factory in Baraga, Michigan is more than a production site—it’s a living reminder of American ingenuity in the face of industrial consolidation. From swing loaders with rail magnets to rough terrain cranes used in their own assembly, Pettibone builds machines with a clear purpose and a practical mindset.
While the company may be a shadow of its former size, its commitment to specialized equipment and domestic assembly keeps it relevant. In an era of global sourcing and corporate mergers, Pettibone’s Baraga plant stands as a rare outpost of hands-on manufacturing, where machines are still built by people who know what they’re for—and how they’ll be used.
Nestled in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, the Pettibone factory in Baraga remains a quiet but enduring symbol of American industrial resilience. While many mid-sized equipment manufacturers have been absorbed by conglomerates or shifted production overseas, Pettibone continues to assemble machines in the U.S.—including its signature telehandlers and swing loaders. The plant’s output is modest compared to global giants, but its machines are built with a focus on durability, simplicity, and field serviceability.
One recent shipment from Baraga included a swing loader bound for Union Pacific’s Denver station. This particular unit featured a 180-degree swing capability and a magnet attachment, tailored for rail yard material handling. The swing loader’s design allows operators to load and unload from either side without repositioning the machine, making it ideal for confined or linear work zones.
The Swing Loader and Its Unique Capabilities
Pettibone’s swing loaders are distinct from conventional wheel loaders due to their side-to-side boom articulation. This feature is especially valuable in rail, forestry, and utility sectors where space is limited and precision is critical. The loader’s hydraulic system allows for smooth swing motion, while its rugged frame and high ground clearance make it suitable for off-road conditions.
Key specifications for modern swing loaders include:
- Operating weight: ~20,000–25,000 lbs
- Swing arc: 180 degrees
- Lift capacity: ~10,000 lbs depending on configuration
- Engine: Tier 4 Final diesel, typically Cummins or Perkins
- Attachments: Forks, buckets, magnets, pipe clamps
- Swing Loader: A loader with a boom that pivots side-to-side, allowing lateral material placement
- Telehandler: A telescopic handler used for lifting and placing loads at height or distance
- Magnet Attachment: An electromagnet used for lifting ferrous materials, often in rail or scrap applications
A Factory Without Overhead Cranes
One of the more surprising details about the Baraga plant is its unconventional lifting strategy. Instead of overhead cranes, the facility uses a Pettibone 30 rough terrain crane to move heavy components in and out of the assembly building. This mobile crane enters the structure as needed, performing lifts that would typically be handled by gantry systems. While unorthodox, the method reflects Pettibone’s hands-on approach and reliance on its own equipment.
A dealer who toured the plant described the scene as “crazy to see,” yet effective. The use of in-house machines for assembly tasks underscores the brand’s confidence in its own engineering and its commitment to practical solutions over high-cost infrastructure.
Historical Footprint and Product Evolution
Pettibone’s history dates back to the early 20th century, with roots in crane and material handling equipment. At one time, the company produced entire portable crushing plants, serving the aggregate and mining industries. That division was phased out in the 1980s, but the legacy of rugged, purpose-built machines remains.
In the 1960s, models like the Multikrane 25 featured advanced features for their time, including four-wheel steering and drive, Hercules gas engines, and Funk transmissions. These machines were used in quarries and industrial sites across North America, and some are still in service today. Rebuilding engines and transmissions on these units was common practice, and parts—while scarce—can still be sourced with effort.
Modern Challenges and Global Pressures
Despite its continued U.S. presence, Pettibone has faced the same pressures as other mid-tier manufacturers. A merger with Barko and shifts in management have led to changes in sourcing and strategy. While the company once proudly declared that its mainframes and booms would always be made in the U.S., production of some components moved to China around 2011.
Dealer support has also fluctuated. Longtime dealers report that the brand’s identity has become harder to maintain amid constant restructuring. Still, the machines themselves remain well-regarded, and the swing loader line continues to serve niche markets effectively.
Conclusion
The Pettibone factory in Baraga, Michigan is more than a production site—it’s a living reminder of American ingenuity in the face of industrial consolidation. From swing loaders with rail magnets to rough terrain cranes used in their own assembly, Pettibone builds machines with a clear purpose and a practical mindset.
While the company may be a shadow of its former size, its commitment to specialized equipment and domestic assembly keeps it relevant. In an era of global sourcing and corporate mergers, Pettibone’s Baraga plant stands as a rare outpost of hands-on manufacturing, where machines are still built by people who know what they’re for—and how they’ll be used.
