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Bobcat Through
the Years
Storyboard 1-A
1947
E.G. Melroe, a farmer and inventor from Gwinner, N.D., opens a small factory with
his four sons to manufacture an attachment he designed to pick up windrowed
grain with a combine.
1948
The company builds its first factory, a 100 by 30 foot building in Gwinner, after
outgrowing an old gas station and a vacant schoolhouse.
1957
Turkey farmer Eddie Velo prompts brothers Cyril and Louis Keller to design a
three-wheel loader. They build the first prototype with used parts at their shop
in Rothsay, Minnesota.
1958
While making sales calls in Minnesota, Les Melroe hears about the Keller’s machine
and invites them to show it at the Melroe booth at the Minnesota State Fair.
It causes a sensation, so Melroe Manufacturing buys the rights to manufacture it
and the Keller brothers come to work for the company. The M60 goes into production.
1959
The Melroe Self-Propelled Loader, or the M200, goes into production. This forerunner
®
of the Bobcat skid-steer loader has a 12.9-horsepower engine and a rear caster
wheel for steering.
1960
Rear drive wheels are added to the loader. The model M400, with four-wheel drive,
is the world’s first true skid-steer loader.
1961
Engineers begin working on a breakthrough design for an enclosed, lubricated
drive system, solving the reliability problems which plagued the M400 and almost
prompted Melroe to abandon the product.
1962
The name “Bobcat” is used for the first time on the all new model M440.
It also inaugurates a new paint color for the line: white. The machine’s many
industrial and construction applications begin to move the Melroe organization
away from its primary focus on the agricultural market. Sales soar to over $6 million.
1965
With production of Bobcat loaders in record numbers, the company moves into
the European marketplace, signing a license agreement with a manufacturing
company in England, Luff & Smith.
1969
The Melroe brothers sell the firm to Clark Equipment Company of Michigan.
The Melroe Division now has access to additional financial resources for vigorous
expansion. Clark allows Melroe to operate autonomously and is well-rewarded by
consistent profits.
The Original Innovator
“Everybody
has a gift.
I can’t play
a piano,
but if you
[want me to]
get a piece
of metal
and
make
something,
I can
do it.”
The Melroe Family
A naturally inventive mechanic, farmer E.G. Melroe (foreground)
was a pioneer in agricultural technology during the Depression
years. He founded Melroe Manufacturing Company in 1947
when his sons returned to Gwinner, North Dakota, after WW II.
Pictured standing from left to right are sons Roger, Lester,
Irving and Clifford, whose heart condition kept him out of the
service. Clifford’s gift for both engineering and business
made him the obvious choice for president when their father
died in 1955.
The Original Keller Loader
Louis and Cyril Keller developed this three-wheeled, self-propelled loader for a turkey
farmer (Eddie Velo, pictured) who needed a small, agile machine to clean out his twostory barns. The prototype was made with parts scrounged from junkyards and bars
from the old town jail in Rothsay, Minnesota. Lester Melroe, out on a sales call, saw its
potential and invited the Kellers to bring their machine to the Melroe booth at the 1958
Minnesota State Fair, where it attracted eager crowds and interested farmers. The
Kellers were looking for someone who could mass produce and market their invention
and struck a deal with Melroes. The Kellers came to work for the brothers in Gwinner,
North Dakota in September 1958.
1958: The Melroe M60
The first Melroe M60 Self-Propelled Loader had a
6.6-horsepower engine. Its ability to turn on a dime
– with one side moving forward while the other side
moved backwards – made it perfect for the close
quarters in barns and stockyards.
1959: The Melroe M200
Tougher and stronger, the M200 entered production
with a better lift arm assembly and a 12.9–horsepower
two–cylinder Onan engine. It could be outfitted with a
range of attachments, from buckets and forks to angle
brooms.
1960: M400
The four-wheel drive M400 was the first true skid-steer loader. The improved
traction opened up a world of new uses. Its 70-30 weight ratio meant that,
when empty, the machine had 70 percent of its weight on the back end and 30
on the front. When fully laden, the ratio was reversed. This enabled the loader
to skid when turning, providing unprecedented maneuverability.
1962: M440
First to bear the name “Bobcat”, the M440 also had a new
logo and a new white paint job. It had an impressive
1,000 pound lift capacity, but could be carted around in
a pickup truck. The new Bobcat found new uses beyond
the farm, in construction, landscaping and industrial
plants. Early problems with broken drive chains were
solved by enclosing them and lubricating them in an oil
bath.
Storyboard 1-B
– Cyril Keller
Bobcat Through
the Years
1970
The exclusive Bob-Tach™ mounting system is introduced. It allows fast, easy
attachment changes, transforming the Bobcat loader into a multi-job machine.
1971
Despite “kopykat” products that eat into the Bobcat loader’s market share,
the Melroe Division contributes $28.7 million to Clark’s bottom line. Bobcat uses
dealer meetings and road shows to demonstrate the latest additions to its lineup,
the M970 and the M371.
1972
Melroe Company celebrates its 25th anniversary in business. Melroe acquires
the Kirschmann Manufacturing Company of Bismarck, N.D., makers of the
Spra-Coupe crop sprayer.
1973
Melroe acquires the chisel plow business of Gysler Manufacturing of Fort Benton,
Montana. The M700, with a 1,200-pound-rated lift capacity, joins the Bobcat line.
1974
Melroe expands with a 28-acre agricultural products plant in Bismarck, North Dakota.
1975
Bobcat Master Service Technician Schools are introduced to factory train
mechanics on skid-steer loader repairs.
1976
The B-series 520 is launched, the first of the company’s “New Breed” family of
hydrostatic loaders that are stronger, faster, and offered more lift capacity and
easier serviceability.
1977
A new logo updates the Bobcat image. Melroe company wins its second “E” award
for Export Excellence from the U.S. Dept. of Commerce.
The new breed 530 and 630 are introduced.
The first issue of WorkSaver magazine is published. Four issues a year help
build a community of Bobcat user/owners and reinforce brand loyalty with
news of innovations and profiles of successful owners.
Storyboard 2-A
Bobcat Firsts
1958
Three-Wheeled Loader
Louis & Cyril Keller team up with Melroe brothers to develop first production
three-wheeled loader.
1960
M400
Melroe Manufacturing Company introduces world’s first skid-steer loader – the M400.
1962
M440
First use of “Bobcat” trademark and white paint scheme on the M440.
1970
M970
M970 “Big Bob” is the first hydrostatic skid-steer loader.
1971
M371
M371 “Mini Bob” is the world’s smallest skid-steer loader.
1987
Bobcat 980
Bobcat 980 is world’s largest skid-steer loader with 4,000-lb. rated operating capacity.
1989
Compact Excavator
Bobcat manufactures first compact excavator in the U.S.A.
1990
(BOSS)
Bobcat Operation Sensing System (BOSS ), state-of-the-art diagnostic and
monitoring system, on the 50 Series skid-steer loaders.
1999
Deluxe Instrumentation
Deluxe instrumentation panel displays seven different languages with shutdown
system, keyless start and vital loader operating information.
2001
A220
Bobcat A220, world’s first loader to combine all-wheel steer and skid-steer operation.
2003
Toolcat 5600
Toolcat™ 5600 utility work machine is first vehicle of its kind.
2003
Bobcat 430 and 435
Bobcat 430 and 435 zero house swing (ZHS) excavators debut.
2003
Joystick Controls (SJC)
Selectable joystick controls (SJC) option for skid-steer loader and compact track
loaders enables operator to choose preferred joystick control pattern for loader
steering and hydraulic functions.
2004
MT52 Mini Track Loader
The MT52 mini track loader is introduced with first ride-on platform that is easily
detached for walk-behind operation.
2004
Bobcat 2200 IntelliTrak
Bobcat 2200 is first utility vehicle with IntelliTrak drive system, equipped with
automatic locking differentials that engage immediately when a wheel loses traction.
2005
Speed Management
Speed Management feature enables operators to match loader travel speed to
operation requirements.
Bobcat 2300 Rapid Link
Bobcat releases the 2300 utility vehicle with RapidLinkTM attachment system.
2006
Storyboard 2-B
®
®
Bobcat Through
the Years
1978
Bobcat expands its 30-Series line with a heavy-duty 731 model.
1979
Bobcat sales soar to $210 million, thanks to a booming farm economy and
overseas expansion.
1970s -1980s
1980
1981
European operations become firmly established in Belgium, and the company
exports machines directly from North Dakota. The company also expands into
Latin America and the Pacific Rim and arranges with a licensee to manufacture
and market in Japan.
Bobcat installs its first robot in a bucket welding station, ushering in an era of
re-engineered manufacturing processes that significantly improve efficiency and
productivity.
The safety seat bar – a secondary restraint system and armrest – is introduced
and became Bobcat’s best selling loader of its time.
The 743 is introduced.
1982
New “pick and place” robots move the Bobcat production system ahead by
moving hydraulic cylinder parts from work station to work station.
1984
Melroe’s new “Flying M” logo signifies its change from a division of Clark
Equipment Company to a business unit of the company and the return of the
“Melroe Company” name.
1985
Sales rose to $195 million; new axle-cell robots enter the Bobcat production system.
1986
The Bobcat compact excavator is introduced, eventually to achieve enormous
popularity around the world. It is the only compact excavator manufactured in the
United States.
A delegation of 33 Melroe employees travel to Japan to study their manufacturing
processes. They return home with new insights that lead to sweeping changes
and new efficiencies in the factory.
Bobcat acquires the Midmark Trencher Company of Dayton, Ohio, and enters
the trencher business.
Storyboard 3-A
The Machine that
Changed the World
Off to the Mines
Always ready to adapt the skid-steer loader to customer
requirements, the company developed the M600 electric for
use in mines. It was built low to meet height restrictions, and
had explosion-proof lights. The M600 electric was also used
to unload the grain from boxcars, where the potential for a
grain dust explosion made gas, propane or diesel engines too
dangerous.
Can you spell that in Arabic?
In the 1970s, Bobcat expanded into new markets throughout
Europe, Africa, Asia, Latin America, Australia and the MiddleEast.
Friends in the Right Places
In Japan, Toyo Umpanki was licensed to produce several skidsteer loaders for Asian markets.
In It To Win It
The brand logos look familiar but this racetrack is in Turkey –
Bobcat Goes Global
where a Bobcat telescopic tool carrier lifts a disabled race car
This promotional piece was designed to help spread the Bobcat brand around the world.
from the track.
Melroe’s first international move was into the UK in 1965, leading to the establishment
of Melroe Ltd. in Southampton, England. By the 1990’s international markets would be
a significant growth driver for Bobcat.
Go Green
Often found in recycling centers, Bobcat does its part by
moving materials being processed for reuse.
Extreme North
Bobcat compact machines get the job done as far north as the
Arctic Circle. This Brushcat rotary cutter is used for trail and
right-of-way maintenance.
Storyboard 3-B
Bobcat Through
the Years
1987
Bobcat Europe hosts the “Winning Combination” dealer and press event in Brussels
to introduce the expanded Bobcat line.
1988
Fortune magazine names the Bobcat skid-steer loader to its “America’s Best” list –
100 American-made products that represent the best of their kind, anywhere
in the world.
1989
Bobcat’s transportation fleet numbers 38 tractor-trailers as it drives growth
across the country.
1990
Bobcat launches the 50 Series skid-steer loaders, with improved durability and
performance, plus a new diagnostic and monitoring system, the Bobcat Operation
Sensing System, or BOSS.
1991
Bobcat’s skid-steer loader makes Fortune magazine’s “America’s Best” list a
second time.
1992
The winter issue of WorkSaver magazine is re-invented as the WorkSaver
BobCatalog. Spring, Summer and Fall issues continue as before.
The 7753 “lift and carry” loader is introduced. Its multiple linkage lift arm creates
a vertical lift path, with greater capacity and a longer wheelbase for a smoother ride.
1993
Bobcat’s third generation of compact excavators enters production, while the 1600
and 2410 articulated loaders and the 980 skid-steer loader are dropped from the
lineup.
Bobcat introduces the first comprehensive operator training course for the
skid-steer loader.
1994
Storyboard 4-A
Bobcat sales soar to $604 million.
“The Swiss Army Knife
of Machines”
“The Swiss Army Knife of Machines”
With owner-operators intent on using their
Bobcat machines for as many jobs as possible,
it was inevitable that attachments grew in
importance. The first attachments for the
skid-steer loader were the buckets and forks
needed in poultry barns, and company
engineers went to work on devising a better
way to hook attachments to the Bobcat loader.
Bobcat M610
M970s
This angle broom attachment on a Bobcat M610 sweeps up at
These twin M970s clear streets after a North Dakota snowstorm
The result was the Hydraulic Power Bob-Tach
the Gwinner airport.
in 1975.
attachment mounting system, which was
unveiled in 1970 along with the M970 and
M600. Its secret was a triple-wedging design
that cinches the attachment tighter during
use, rather than traditional pin-mounted
systems, which tended to rattle loose on the
job.
The new Bob-Tach mounting system
revolutionized the skid-steer loader, making the
compact Bobcat machines more versatile than
ever – the “Swiss Army Knife of Machines.”
Hydraulic Power Bob-Tach
Adapted Bob-Tach System
Today’s hydraulic Power Bob-Tach system is controlled from
The Bob-Tach system was successfully adapted to other products,
Now the International Standards Organization’s
inside the cab.
as the soil conditioner used with this Toolcat 5600 utility work
(ISO) coupler design, the Bob-Tach system
machine demonstrates.
solidified the company’s market leadership.
Owners are a constant source of product
suggestions and improvements for attachments.
Do It All
They inspired numerous new bucket designs,
This ad from 1993 demonstrated the
hydraulic breakers, and the landscape rake
versatility the Hydraulic Power Bob-Tach
attachment mounting system brought to
attachment that preps seedbeds and collects
the skid-steer loader. Today more than
rocks and debris.
80 different attachments are designed,
built and backed by Bobcat.
“ The best
patent
Bobcat
ever had.”
– Global Product Manager, Paul Anderson
Storyboard 4-B
Bobcat Through
the Years
1995
The Clark organization is acquired by Ingersoll-Rand Company of Woodcliff Lake, N.J.
A leading manufacturer of construction equipment and industrial machinery,
Ingersoll-Rand has nearly 50,000 employees worldwide.
1998
The company purchases Palm Attachments of Grove City, MN, which had supplied
attachments for Bobcat loaders since 1987.
2000
Bobcat Company enters the telescopic handler market when the first Bobcat
telescopic tool carrier is introduced to the North American and European markets.
2001-2002
Several new product lines are introduced, including all-wheel steer loaders; the
2100 utility vehicle; and the innovative Toolcat™ 5600 utility work machine.
2003-2004
Bobcat introduces the world’s first Zero House Swing excavator with FastTrack
all-hydrostatic drive; the MT52 mini track loader; and the 2200 utility vehicle.
2004
2005-2007
2008
Storyboard 5-A
The American Society of Agricultural Engineers recognizes the skid-steer loader
as “a historic landmark of agricultural engineering” that changed the world of
work on the farm and elsewhere.
The Bobcat 2300 revolutionizes the utility vehicle market with its one-of-a-kind
RapidLink™ attachment mounting system. Bobcat also introduces Radio Remote
Control, enabling operators to work in more jobsites.
Bobcat celebrates the 50th anniversary of the compact loader. The Bobcat brand
leads the worldwide compact equipment industry in design, development, marketing
and distribution—thanks to an innovative, pioneering spirit that has always been a
vital part of the Bobcat philosophy.
Bobcat Reports
for Duty
Bobcat Reports for Duty
The tough, highly maneuverable Bobcat
machines are a natural for military
applications that include digging trenches,
moving gear, and clearing debris for
reconstruction projects. For obvious reasons,
these machines are among the few not to
wear the traditional white Bobcat paint job.
We’re in the Army Now
Bobcat Builds the World
Bobcat loaders in the Army shown here with troops in training at
This enlisted Bobcat enthusiast brings the Bobcat message to
Fort Campbell, Kentucky.
the rebuilding of Iraq.
An Adaptable Machine
Flying High
Soldiers need to be creative, and military Bobcat operators are
Bobcat plays a role in the war on terror. Here a machine with a
no exception, as this home-made gun rack illustrates.
camouflage-colored paint job is being dropped into a remote
Afghani village for reconstruction work.
“ Bobcat’s
loaders
have made
combat
engineer
platoons
more
effective by
improving
the
survivability,
mobility,
productivity
and
morale....”
– U.S. Senator Byron Dorgan
Bobcat Serves America
Proud members of the 618th Engineering Company were happy to have this T250 compact track loader.
Storyboard 5-B
Safety First
An Industry Leader in Safety
This seat bar was introduced as a secondary restraint system
and armrest in 1981.
“If it
weighs
over 50
pounds,
go get
the
loader.”
– Melroe Manufacturing Company
This early catchphrase sums up one of the
Bobcat loader’s most obvious benefits: it
spared the backs of workers on jobs involving
heavy lifting. As the company’s product line
and sales grew, Bobcat engineers worked to
Extreme Safety Testing
add and improve safety features on every
Seatbelts and rollover protective structures
Bobcat machine.
came first. In 1972 Bobcat was an industry
leader with its decision to ship every machine
with an overhead guard. In one test of the new
rollover protective structure (ROPS) this M610
was rolled down a hill. Once righted, it started
right up.
Lights, Camera, Action!
1973 “Bobcat Kid” is the first skid-steer
loader safety video.
Bobcat has been an industry leader in safety
instruction through live interactions, video,
and Operator Training Kits.
Storyboard 7-A
Bobcat Cares
Crazy Horse Memorial
The donation of an 873 Bobcat loader, with its 2,400-lb. capacity, is speeding work on the Crazy Horse Memorial in the Black Hills of South Dakota.
It Takes a Village...and a Bobcat Loader
It takes a village (of contractors) and 24 Bobcat machines...to raise a house in 106 hours.
ABC Extreme Makeover: Home Edition celebrity Ty Pennington brought cameras and crew to Minot, North Dakota, to build a new
wheelchair-accessible house for the Bliven family. Son Aaron had been born with cerebral palsy, and his needs outgrew the family home
just as his father Bill had two heart attacks and could no longer lift his son.
To help, Bobcat donated the use of two dozen machines and seven attachments brought in from North Dakota and Minnesota. Skid-steer
loaders, compact track loaders, an all-wheel-steer loader, a compact excavator, a VersaHandler telescopic tool carrier, and utility vehicles
helped wrap up the job in just 106 hours.
Village Family Service Center
The Bobcat North Dakota State Open at Fargo Country Club has been attracting
golf fans and raising money for the Village Family Service Center since 1984.
The Village is home to Big Brothers Big Sisters and offers a range of counseling
and social service programs to the Fargo community. Bobcat machines have
long been popular in the golf industry for their ability to work quickly with
minimal damage to turf.
Arlington National Cemetery
One of many projects supported by Bobcat is the annual landscaping project
at Arlington National Cemetery. As an associate sponsor of the Professional
Landcare Network (PLANET) event, Bobcat donated the use of Bobcat machines
and operators.
Storyboard 7-B
Over the
years
Bobcat has
given back
to the
communities
it serves,
locally
and
nationally.
Pride and Partners
Through the Years
With its roots in the agricultural
business, the company grew by
cultivating close relationships with
its dealers, who were treated as
part of the extended Melroe family.
Not to be Missed
Bobcat dealer meetings were not-to-be missed events. New products were introduced with great fanfare and yes, it’s true – they did bring
in circus elephants one year.
The dealer meetings truly gave Bobcat an opportunity to connect with and inspire this passionate group of dealers, many of whom have
been in the Bobcat family for decades. The meetings always proved powerful and emotional as the dealer pride came through with an
increased intensity each time they gathered.
Bobcat’s Best Resource – Dealers and Customers
Their confidence and ability operating the machines translated to successful demonstrations and
sales to their customers at home.
Going to Camp
Dealers continue to send their salespeople to Gwinner,
North Dakota, for weeklong “Bobcat Boot Camps”,
Dealers in touch with local markets regularly provided customer feedback that helped the
company improve its products and offered tips that led to the development of new products.
This meeting introduced the Mini-Bob M371 and Big-Bob M970.
where trainers – including loader inventor Cy Keller –
put them in the driver’s seat starting in the mid 1960s.
Strong Partnerships
Nearly 1000 Dealers support the company’s efforts in more than
90 countries around the world.
Picking Up After Nature
Sometimes you really need a Bobcat machine. In the aftermath
of Hurricane Betsy in 1965, a dealer helps clear debris from this
New Orleans neighborhood.
Storyboard 8-A
“Bobcat
proved to me
that they
took care of
their dealers
and
customers.
Bobcat has
always been
one of the
best
suppliers
with whom
we have
done
business.”
– Harry Rawley, Valley Implement Sales, Inc.
Bobcat IS the
Worksaver
Over the decades, the market for
skid-steer loaders shifted from
primarily farmers and growers to
a broad base of construction
landscaping and industrial
businesses, many of them owneroperators. This growing customer
base enthusiastically adopted
compact Bobcat machines for tasks
such as landscaping, contracting
and demolition.
Many began as subcontractors who
rented the machines, but soon
bought machines and hired
employees, becoming successful
small business operators. Because
of them, the expression BYOB at
Bobcat means,
WorkSaver
WorkSaver is a quarterly magazine created to reinforce brand loyalty among these
important customers with product updates and features about other successful
Bobcat owners. Hundreds of thousands of people read the quarterly magazine.
Louis Klumker
Louis Klumker, shown here in a cover photo, was one of the successful
owner/operators profiled in the magazine. The Klumker family bought a
new Bobcat loader every year for 33 years.
“Be
Your
Own
Boss”
– or another
“Build
Your
Own
Business”
WorkSaver BobCatalog
Beginning in 1992, the winter issue was transformed into the WorkSaver BobCatalog.
It contained the entire product listing and showcased the latest enhancements and
new products.
PBS Show – This Old House
Roger Cook, the landscaping expert for the PBS shows “This
Old House” and “Ask This Old House”, was another big
Bobcat fan. At the time of this article in the summer of 2004,
Cook and his employees operated three Bobcat loaders: a
743, an 843 and an 853.
Storyboard 8-B
Roots on the Farm
In the 1980s, it was clear that the skid-steer
Turkey farmer Eddie Velo – who helped establish a major turkey
processing plant in Pelican Rapids, Minnesota – is seated on the
loader business was the star of the Bobcat
original Keller self-propelled loader. It was Velo who came to
show. Farming was vulnerable to recessions,
the Keller brothers in 1956 with his need for a loader that could
which brought a cyclical, low-profit pattern
turn, scrape and dump within the tight confines of a turkey barn.
This machine, the great-grandfather of the Bobcat machines in
to the agricultural equipment business. One
use today, is still on display in the Otter Tail County Museum in
by one, the company sold off historically
Fergus Falls, Minnesota.
important but untenable businesses – grain
drills, plows, and harrows, even the original
Melroe pickup. Proceeds were invested in
the future and the booming Bobcat lineup.
The Bobcat Loader was designed to maneuver easily in the tight
spaces of livestock barns. Here, operator John Landby impresses
the resident hogs with a tight turning radius.
The M444, an upgrade of the M440, emerges from this dairy
barn.
By 1967 the Melroe Company was having great success with its white Bobcat loader, but continued
In 2004, Bobcat was honored by the American
to sell the products pioneered by founder E. G. Melroe: the harroweeder, the windrow pickup, and
Society of Agricultural Engineers, who
the moldboard plow acquired from another North Dakota manufacturer, Reiten Mfg. Those first
products were profitable enough to fund the company’s backing of the Keller brothers’ new three-
recognized the skid-steer loader as “an
wheeled loader back in 1958.
historic landmark of agricultural engineering.”
In 1964, nine years after the passing of founder E.G. Melroe,
On February 14, 2001, the 500,000th Bobcat skid-steer loader rolled off the assembly line
employees gather in Gwinner to pose with the company’s
at the Gwinner manufacturing facility, now just one of the company’s many plants. Here
4,000th windrow pickup.
employees pose for a group photo with the 773 model. 600,000 was surpassed in 2004,
more than all other brands combined.
Storyboard 9-A
Innovation in
Manufacturing
Bobcat began making hydraulic cylinders inhouse in the late 1970s.
Soon after, other equipment manufacturers
came calling.
In the early years, manufacturing was a hands-on affair. Here an
Others attach tires near the end of the assembly line. (1970)
employee stud-welds bolts on the side tanks of a Bobcat loader.
(1970)
An employee applies the Melroe badge to a Bobcat machine in
“ They
wanted to
buy our
cylinders,
proving
that our
costs were
okay,
and our
quality
competitive.”
1970.
– VP of Manufacturing, 1970, Jim Strand
Bobcat, which operates large factories in
Bismarck and Gwinner, is North Dakota’s
largest exporter, shipping $550 million in
machines to all corners of the globe annually.
In 1980 the Gwinner facility gets its first welding robot from Clark’s operations in
Michigan, where the auto industry was embracing robotics. The use of robots required
much greater precision in parts and processes.
Alarmed at the news that Toyota planned to enter the skid-steer
loader business – it had already captured Clark’s forklift business
– Bobcat went on the offensive, sending a delegation to Japan
to study Japanese manufacturing processes. The lessons they
learned – including just-in-time supply chain logistics – were
successfully applied at home, and Bobcat was able to fend off
Toyota.
Product design moved from pencil and paper in the beginning years to ink on Mylar
for the B-Series designs in 1975…to Computer-Aided Design, or CAD, in the 1980s.
Robotics have been integrated throughout the Bobcat production process since
the early 1980s. The machine’s frame is welded almost entirely by robots. Here
a skid-steer loader’s wheel rims are welded at the Gwinner plant.
Today, Bobcat also manufactures loaders and excavators in the Czech Republic
and telescopic tool carriers in France, in addition to manufacturing in the U.S.A.
Storyboard 9-B