Nebraska is known for vast open spaces and world-class steaks. But the Manufacturing Express rolled into vibrant Omaha today to celebrate some well-done Midwestern manufacturing excellence. Our first stop was Elliott Equipment Company, which has been at the forefront of truck mounted aerial work platform, crane, and digger derrick innovation for over 75 years.
Founded in 1948 by visionary Richard Elliott, the company revolutionized the construction and utility industries with the introduction of the first truck-mounted telescoping aerial work platform and crane. This groundbreaking invention played a crucial role in the postwar United States, as the government looked to expand the power grid and interstate highway systems, and offer a safer alternative to the perilous pole-climbing methods previously used.
Elliott has since evolved from its early days of the iconic, original “Elliott HiReach,” which is still proudly displayed at their headquarters as a symbol of their pioneering spirit. Today, Elliott manufactures over 40 models of truck-mounted aerial work platforms and cranes, serving various industries from construction and mining to public utilities and natural resources.
Elliott’s adaptability also sets them apart in the equipment manufacturing industry and their impact extends beyond Omaha and Nebraska, with internationally recognized machines like the E150i 500kV transmission aerial, crowned as the International Powered Access Federation’s Truck Mounted Product of the Year in 2023.
President and CEO Jim Glazer emphasizes that none of what they do would be possible without the buy-in of their people, and the company works hard to make their facility a space for collaboration: “No employee here is just a number. Every employee has the chance, and the opportunity, to succeed and build not just a career but a life at Elliott. And we want to give as many people as possible the ability to do it.” It’s a company culture that stands out.
Elliott continues to grow and innovate, developing their people, and finding new opportunities for their products to reach across the globe. But as the company reaches new international heights, it’s clear that Elliott remains connected to their roots in Omaha, exemplified by its commitment to the city through the acquisition and renovation of the old Bemis bag-making plant. The bright yellow roofs of this facility, a landmark for drivers along I-80, now symbolize a new chapter in Nebraska’s manufacturing history. The Elliott Equipment Company is a proud representative of Omaha’s legacy as they welcome a new generation of manufacturers, ready to continue the story started over seven decades ago.
