Columbia Blog

Columbia Donates Vehicle to the Efforts of the International Crane Foundation

Written by Columbia Vehicles | Jan 6, 2017 6:00:00 AM

On Monday, December 19th W.R. & Floy A. Sauey Foundation along with Columbia donated a brand new C6E Shuttle to help support the efforts of the International Crane Foundation in celebration of Co-founder George Archibalds 70th birthday. The Sauey family has been actively involved with the efforts of the International Crane Foundation since its inception in 1971 and its founding in 1973 by co-founders George Archibald and Ron Sauey (late nephew of The Nordic Group of Companies founder W.R. Sauey).  The International Crane Foundation would not be here today without the generosity of Ron Saueys family. This familys generosity continues today and we are deeply grateful, Rich Beilfuss, International Crane Foundation CEO and President said. The recent donation of the Columbia electric shuttle is a perfect example of the Sauey Familys continued investment in our headquarters in Baraboo, Wisconsin.  We cant wait to give our guests tours using the shuttle this spring.

Columbia, part of the Nordic Group of Companies, is a world leader in electric vehicles. W.R. Sauey founded the Nordic Group in 1947 and it has grown into many industries including Columbia. Columbia produces commercial and industrial electric vehicles for many different applications. All of Columbias vehicles have zero tailpipe emissions, have quick charging capabilities, and are built with the best materials available in the industry. The C6E Shuttle that is now being used by the International Crane Foundation allows for transport of up to 6 people, has a maximum speed of up to 18 mph, and has the highest rated motor class of its type; making the Shuttle the perfect environmentally friendly vehicle to assist in the efforts of the International Crane Foundation and its visitors. The Shuttle will be used to help visitors tour the Cranes of the World which is the only place on Earth where you can go to see all 15 species of cranes is one location.

Jen Stewart, the Development Officer for ICF, stated that, Today, electric vehicles are an essential infrastructure component at the ICFs world headquarters in Baraboo.  From caring for cranes to maintaining our diversecampus to transporting guests, these vehicles are efficient, environmentally friendly tools we use daily in our mission to protect cranes and their ecosystems The International Crane Foundation now actively supports approximately 100 cranes on site and the preservation efforts of all 15 of the worlds crane species; eleven of which are endangered.  ICF has roughly 300-acres featuring live exhibits, guided and self-guided tours, a research library, visitors center, and four miles of nature trails, all of which are visited by more than 25,000 guests annually. The International Crane Foundation needed to have a way for their facilities to be more accessibleto all visitors. With the addition of Columbias C6E Shuttle, they will be able to do just that!

The International Crane Foundation is open to the public April 15th October 31st. Its impact reaches a global network with a regional base in China and share program offices with partner organizations in Cambodia, India, South Africa, Texas, Vietnam, and Zambia.  For more information please visit them at https://www.savingcranes.org/plan-a-visit/. For more information on Columbia and its electric vehicle products please visit www.columbiavehicles.com.

Columbia ParCar Corp. is a member of Nordic Group of Companies, Ltd. Nordic Group (headquartered in Baraboo, Wisconsin) is a privately held holding company consisting of subsidiaries with 22 facilities, and 23 marketing units around the world with over 2,400 associates. Nordic Group companies manufacture and distribute plastic, seating and transportation products worldwide for industrial, commercial and consumer markets. For more information or catalog, write Nordic Group of Companies, Ltd., 715 Lynn Avenue, Suite 100, Baraboo, WI 53913 USA or visit www.nordicgroup.com.