Takeuchi-US, in partnership with United Rentals, has donated the use of five Takeuchi machines to the diesel technology program at WyoTech in Laramie, Wyo. WyoTech is a private trade school that specializes in automotive, diesel, collision/refinishing and welding technologies.
The donation comes at a time when the construction and rental sectors, as well as the broader equipment industry, are finding it challenging to recruit and retain qualified technicians. According to an Associated Equipment Distributors (AED) industry report, the sector will need to fill up to 73,500 heavy equipment technician positions over the next five years, and nearly 90 percent of AED member dealerships report job opening rates above the national average, with 89 percent noting technician shortages in their own companies.
The three Takeuchi TL8R2 compact track loaders and two TB216 compact excavators will be used as part of WyoTech’s diesel and heavy equipment training curriculum, allowing students to train on current machine models and systems they may encounter in the field. The Takeuchi machines used in the program will be rotated on a regular basis to expose students to a variety of models, features and applications.
“By working with current-generation Takeuchi equipment, students gain hands-on experience with the same technology used on today’s job sites,” said Derek Koontz, national account manager for Takeuchi. “Rotating the machines allows students to work on different models and applications, helping them build confidence and diagnostic skills that translate directly to real-world service and repair environments.”
WyoTech’s training model emphasizes hands-on learning, industry relevance and strong employer partnerships — an approach that has helped graduates transition successfully into diesel technician roles nationwide.
“Our success comes from keeping students in the shop, learning by doing, with a curriculum shaped directly by employer needs,” said Cindy Barlow, director of industry relations for WyoTech. “Having access to brand-new Takeuchi compact track loaders and excavators allows students to train on modern hydraulics, electronics, diagnostics and service procedures, not outdated technology. That experience prepares them to step into technician roles from day one.”
United Rentals played a key role in bringing the partnership together, aligning the donation with its focus on workforce development and equipment reliability.
“Training the next generation of technicians is critical for the rental industry,” said Keith Pearson, skilled trades program manager for United Rentals. “Well-trained technicians keep equipment rental-ready, reduce downtime and improve safety on jobsites. Partnering with a respected manufacturer like Takeuchi and a trade school like WyoTech helps ensure students develop the skills our industry depends on.”
Pearson noted that Takeuchi was a natural fit for the initiative, citing the manufacturer’s strong presence in United Rentals’ fleet and its commitment to the Takeuchi Gives charitable-giving program that continues to support community colleges and trade schools.
Stellar Industries donates more than $30K to United Way of North Central Iowa
Stellar Industries, a 100-percent employee-owned and -operated manufacturer of work trucks, trailers and service truck and van accessories, has continued its longstanding tradition of giving back to local Iowa communities with a combined donation of $34,561 to United Way of North Central Iowa.
Each year, Stellar employees raise funds throughout the holiday season, with Stellar matching those contributions. The annual effort reflects the company’s commitment to strengthening the communities where its team members live and work.
“It’s inspiring to see our team come together each year to give back to such a meaningful organization,” said David Zrostlik, president of Stellar. “Supporting United Way is truly an honor, and we’re grateful to play a small part in making a positive difference in our local communities.”
Stellar’s support for United Way is part of the company’s broader corporate giving program, which focuses on investing in local organizations, education and social services across the area where it operates. At Stellar, charitable giving reinforces the company’s purpose beyond its products and services by contributing to organizations that help enhance and improve the community.
To be considered for Stellar’s corporate giving program, interested parties can complete and submit an online application form. A team at Stellar reviews donation requests monthly. Details regarding the application process and eligibility criteria can be found at Stellar’s website.
Project EverGreen renovates Texas baseball field
Project EverGreen, members of the Sports Field Management Association (SFMA), the Texas Sports Field Management Association (TXSFMA), the Texas Turfgrass Association and the City of Corinth (Texas) Parks and Recreation Department teamed up in early December at Corinth Community Park Field No. 4 to give this well-used field a $55,000 makeover.
More than 60 sports field and landscape professionals joined forces to deliver a renovated baseball field for aspiring youth athletes and neighborhood residents. The project will transform Field 4, an aging but well-loved space into a safer, more functional and environmentally healthier green asset for local families, athletes and neighbors to enjoy for years to come.
The comprehensive makeover — made possible by material donations and volunteer field work — will modernize field infrastructure while enhancing long-term sustainability. Their shared expertise and commitment illustrate how cross-industry partnerships can create greener, healthier and more accessible public spaces.
Enhanced turf management practices will help the fields remain durable, attractive and environmentally resilient. These improvements support Project EverGreen’s core mission of bringing people and communities together to create healthier, cooler and more connected green spaces.
“Restoring community athletic fields does more than upgrade the turf, it strengthens the fabric of a neighborhood,” said Cindy Code, executive director of Project EverGreen. “When volunteers, experts and partners come together to revitalize a space like Corinth Community Park, we’re creating places where families gather, children play and community spirit grows. This project reflects the powerful impact healthy green spaces have on both people and the planet.”
“We value our ongoing partnership with Project EverGreen and the chance to support projects like Corinth Community Park,” said Alpha Jones, CSFM, SFMA Board of Directors president-elect. “Members of the Texas SFMA chapter stepped up to volunteer, applying best practices in turf and field management so local athletes have a safe, reliable place to play.”
Beyond the technical enhancements, the renovation highlights the essential role of green spaces in improving public health. Lush, well-maintained turf naturally cools the environment, filters stormwater, improves air quality, and provides safe places for recreation and connection, benefits that extend far beyond the baseball diamond.
Green spaces, such as ball fields, act as the lungs of a city. Field 4 at Corinth Community Park is responsible for sequestering nearly 53 thousand pounds of carbon from the air annually and produces nearly 80,000 cubic yards of clean air annually for the community using the park and neighboring the park.
For a full list of donors and renovations made to the field, visit the Project EverGreen website.
JLG reflects on a year of continued growth and success
JLG Industries, an Oshkosh Corporation business and a global manufacturer of mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs) and telehandlers, reveals key strategic milestones achieved in 2025 that strengthen its market position in North America and reinforce its long-standing commitment to advancing safe, reliable and innovative access solutions.
“For more than 55 years, JLG has remained focused on advancing the access industry,” says Tim Morris, chief commercial officer of JLG. “It is the business we started, it is the business we continue to invest in and it is the business we are committed to leading. Our actions this year — from infrastructure expansion and product innovation to portfolio enhancement through integration — reflect our continued commitment to the customers and industries that rely on JLG equipment to work safely and efficiently at height, as well as demonstrate our intent to continue to build on our strong foundation as we move into 2026.”
Strategic expansion for long-term growth
Earlier this year, JLG announced the addition of a new 113,000-square-foot facility in Frederick, Md., to serve as a dedicated hub for product development, innovation, equipment testing and cross-functional collaboration. The facility is now open and operational, and the investment provides expanded capacity to support future product initiatives.
JLG also made significant investments in its Reconditioning and RESET Centers, restructuring its Hiram, Ga., RESET location to add 22,000 square feet of production space; building a new RESET facility in Fort Worth, Texas, that will have 15,000 square feet of production space when it becomes fully operational in early 2026; and opening its new 120,000-square-foot Reconditioning site in Houston, Texas.
Real-world access applications
JLG made several significant product introductions in 2025, including new ClearSky Smart Fleet features, rotating telehandler line additions, micro-sized scissor lift lineup, low-level access lift line updates and new accessories like the Aviation Package. In addition, JLG also added several new platform solutions, which included:
- Narrow Boom Platform
- Mid-Rail Deck
- Rapid Replaceable Platform
“These options are designed to enhance productivity, safety and serviceability on job sites,” says Morris. “With these new platform options, JLG continues to bring practical, everyday solutions to market that address real-world jobsite challenges while also setting new benchmarks for the customer-inspired innovations from an industry leader.”
Support through enablement
When downtime means lost dollars, customers need prompt access to answers and information. This has led JLG to grow its customer support capabilities through an omnichannel approach that includes self-service, contact centers, field and operation service providers, advocates and product experts.
“Our customers can access our industry expertise and leadership through self-service troubleshooting via our Knowledge Base article library on Online Express,” says Morris. “Plus, we’re using technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) through virtual assistance and voice-to-text to enrich our customer support capabilities even more.”
To further enhance service efficiency and operational uptime, JLG will begin implementing machine-specific QR codes across select models in early 2026. This technology will provide direct access to serial number-specific documentation and support resources, including parts catalogs, service bulletins, interactive manuals and hydraulic schematics.
AUSA integration
This year marks the one-year anniversary of AUSA’s integration into the JLG family. The collaboration has expanded JLG’s product portfolio within compact and material handling equipment categories with solutions.
“AUSA brings a reputation for durable equipment and trusted performance — values that are aligned with JLG’s legacy,” says Morris. “Together, we are offering a wider range of products to our customers in North America without compromising the standards for quality, engineering and customer support excellence that define both brands.”
Moving forward
Looking to 2026, JLG will remain focused on driving growth through continued innovation, investments and partnerships. The coming year will see JLG showcasing “Job Site of the Future” concepts at CES (West Hall #4418) and introducing new product solutions at World of Concrete (#O31525), GCSAA Conference and Trade Show (West Building #3013, GCBAA Pavilion), The ARA Show (#2249) and CONEXPO-CON/AGG (North Hall #N12308).
