The expansion introduces domestic production of conical steel lift towers, which previously had to be manufactured in Austria and shipped overseas. New robotic welding equipment is expected to reduce tower welding time by 40% to 60%, while expanded machine shops will manufacture a wide variety of lift components.
The facility also includes larger spare-parts and service operations, along with a training center capable of accommodating 25 lift technicians at a time. Technicians will be able to receive hands-on instruction in lift control systems, hydraulics, and detachable chairlift grips.
Founded in Austria in 1893 by Konrad Doppelmayr, the company began as a mechanical workshop before building its first ski lift in 1937. It expanded internationally during the postwar growth of recreational skiing and established a significant presence in North America.
In 2002, Doppelmayr merged with Swiss lift manufacturer Garaventa, creating one of the world’s largest manufacturers of cable transportation systems. Today, its products include chairlifts, gondolas, aerial tramways, and automated transportation systems used at airports and other facilities.
Doppelmayr has also been responsible for several recent lift installations in the Mid-Atlantic. These include Massanutten Resort’s Peak Express high-speed quad in Virginia, installed in 2023; Camelback Resort’s Black Bear 6 high-speed chairlift in Pennsylvania, installed in 2022; and Seven Springs Mountain Resort’s Avalanche Quad in Pennsylvania, installed in 2021.
The company’s expanded manufacturing capabilities could benefit resorts planning future lift replacements, particularly by reducing reliance on overseas shipments of large components. Improved access to replacement parts and technical support could also be valuable to Eastern ski areas maintaining aging chairlifts, although Doppelmayr has not announced specific reductions in delivery times or pricing.
When Utah announced the expansion, state economic development officials projected $68.21 million in capital investment for the project. Utah Governor Spencer Cox joined company executives and employees for the October 19 ribbon-cutting ceremony. Doppelmayr currently employs approximately 300 people in the United States, with additional growth anticipated.
The Salt Lake City facility will continue producing lift components for resorts throughout North America, while adding manufacturing capacity for equipment that previously required overseas production. For Mid-Atlantic resorts considering future chairlift upgrades, the expansion strengthens an established supplier’s domestic manufacturing and service operations.
Peter Landsman from Lift Blog provides additional details about the groundbreaking on his blog.
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