JLG Industries last week announced that it began shipping its Cat-branded TH family of telehandlers for Caterpillar dealers in the European, African, Middle Eastern and Asia-Pacific markets on July 26, 2006. Following a successful production launch of five models in late June, the first units have been delivered to Caterpillar dealers. Production of these models was successfully transferred from a Caterpillar facility in the United Kingdom to JLG's Belgium manufacturing plant.

"We're pleased to report that we have hit another milestone on schedule in our Caterpillar alliance implementation, with the first shipments of the Cat-branded TH family of telehandlers," said Bill Lasky, JLG chairman of the board, president and CEO. "Production preparations for shipments to North and Latin American Caterpillar dealers are also on track to begin in November of this year."

Under the terms of the 20-year strategic alliance agreement announced in October of 2005, JLG will provide to Caterpillar dealers an exclusive, full range of Cat-branded telehandlers. The five TH family models produced at the Maasmechelen, Belgium, facility have capacity ranges from 3,500 to 5,000 kg and maximum lift heights from 6 to 17 meters. Four brand-new North American TL family models will be produced at the McConnellsburg, Pa., facility with capacity ranges from 6,600 to 12,000 pounds and maximum lift heights from 42 to 55 feet. In addition to the TL family, two models of the Belgium produced TH family will be available to the North and Latin American Caterpillar dealers.

In other company news, JLG also announced last week that Michelle Hards joined JLG as director of corporate communications and investor relations. In this role, she will report directly to James Woodward, executive vice president and chief financial officer

"We're very pleased to have Michelle join our team," said Woodward. "Her solid background in finance, manufacturing, and investor relations and track record of achieving results make her extremely well-suited for this position."

For the past three years, Michelle served as director of investor relations for Dana Corp., a global automotive supplier based in Toledo, Ohio. She held various roles of increasing responsibility at Dana since 1990, including auditing, accounting, and operations management.

JLG Industries is a producer of access equipment. The company's product portfolio encompasses brands such as JLG aerial work platforms; JLG, SkyTrak, Lull and Gradall telehandlers; and an array of complementary accessories that increase the versatility and efficiency of these products for end users.