Link-Belt Cranes Earns 2026 Energy Award

Link-Belt Cranes has been recognized for its energy efficiency efforts and operational performance with the 2026 SAAZ Energy Performance Excellence Award.

The award, presented by Big Shine Energy, highlights the company’s investment in energy-saving initiatives at its headquarters in Lexington. The recognition is tied to a rooftop solar photovoltaic installation designed to reduce energy costs, improve operational resilience and support long-term sustainability goals.

According to the company, the solar installation generates up to 915,800 kilowatt-hours of energy annually, offsetting electrical usage and contributing to projected lifecycle savings exceeding $1.5 million. The system includes 1,302 solar panels covering approximately 35,000 square feet.

“With an Environmental Management System certified by ISO 14001, Link-Belt Cranes continuously works toward its foundational objectives of ‘Recycle, Reuse, and Reduce,’” stated Richard Shultz, vice president of manufacturing. “Our initial solar array investment in 2023 with expansions in ’24 and ’25 demonstrates our commitment to reduce electricity consumption from the grid and reduce the production of greenhouse gases. Big Shine has played an integral role in this strategy, and the Link-Belt team appreciates its recognition.”

The SAAZ program, which stands for “Sustainability Awards Approaching Zero,” recognizes organizations for measurable progress in energy performance and decarbonization efforts.

Link-Belt Cranes is scheduled to receive the award at the SAAZ 2026 Strategic Energy Forum on May 28, 2026, in Hoboken.