From the shores of Lake Michigan, the oddly diverse company – a manufacturer of industrial cranes, commercial icemakers and high-tech ovens – has pumped out exports for China. This business has helped sustain a workforce of about 8,000 mostly in Wisconsin. But the company also has been slapped by China with unexpected import taxes that threaten to put some of these employees out of work.
Manitowoc has acquired local plants and staff in China, moving into niche markets – for example, restaurant equipment adapted for local dishes. Yet the company has also had its designs and ideas spirited away by Chinese competitors, with little available recourse.
Via Wisconsin firm learning the ups and downs of doing business in China.
See, also Manitowoc Company website.