ABOUT US

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Over 60 Years of
Innovation & Reliability

For over six decades, Harlan Global Manufacturing has been a trusted provider of ground support equipment (GSE) and OEM components across industries such as aviation, aerospace, hospitality, utilities, entertainment, and the military. Our expertise extends to both the design and manufacturing of Harlan Global tractors and high-quality components for similar equipment.

Precision Engineering & Manufacturing

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✅ ISO-Certified Production – Our Kansas City, Kansas facilities adhere to the highest ISO quality standards, ensuring consistency and reliability.
✅ OEM Excellence – We manufacture precision-crafted OEM parts compatible with various GSE models.
✅ Unmatched Durability – Every Harlan tractor is meticulously built from the ground up, designed for long-term performance in challenging environments.

Commitment to Excellence

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At Harlan, our mission is to deliver the safest, most efficient, and cost-effective solutions for ramp-side operations and beyond. Our unwavering dedication to performance and durability has solidified our reputation as an industry leader, ensuring seamless coordination in even the most demanding logistical environments.

Harlan Global Manufacturing team standing in front of ground support vehicles.

Our Mission,
Your Success

As dedicated partners, we combine decades of experience, innovative technology, and unwavering commitment to help businesses overcome unique operational challenges. Whether on the tarmac, in warehouses, or within specialized industries, Harlan is your trusted partner in ground support solutions.

Harlan Around the World

Harlan Global Manufacturing operates across multiple continents, delivering high-quality ground support equipment to customers worldwide.

AFRICA

ASIA

AUSTRALIA

NORTH AMERICA

SOUTH AMERICA

BEHIND THE INNOVATION

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Meet the Harlan Leadership

Get to know the key minds driving Harlan’s innovation, quality, and global growth.

Jim Kaplan

Chairman

Jamie Kaplan

CEO

Iveth Kaplan Jalinsky

CSO

Donna Ferguson

CFO

Harlan Global Manufacturing:
A Legacy of Innovation and Growth

Founding Vision

Harlan Global was founded on the vision of Jim Kaplan, whose passion for engineering and problem-solving began in his childhood in Sioux City, Iowa. After serving as a Marine pilot and gaining business experience, he established Harlan in 1962 to rent and rebuild lift trucks, leading to groundbreaking innovations in component design.

Pioneering Growth

By the late 1960s, Harlan expanded into global parts sales and, at a customer’s request, developed its first towing tractors. The company quickly built a reputation for high-quality engineering, leading to rapid international growth. By the 1980s, Harlan was producing up to 90 tractors per month, securing government contracts, and implementing advanced inventory control systems.

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Strategic Evolution

In 1989, Jamie Kaplan took leadership, modernizing Harlan’s operations with ERP systems and launching the Low Profile Tractor, now the company’s best-selling model. Harlan also expanded its supplier network in China, optimizing costs and maintaining high quality. By the early 1990s, the company transitioned into an OEM parts supplier, strengthening relationships with major brands like Clark Equipment.

During the 1980s and 1990s, Harlan grew rapidly

Awarded government contracts, increasing production from 10 to 90 tractors per month.

Exited the generic parts business to become an OEM supplier.

Launched the Low Profile Tractor, now its best-selling product.

Strengthened infrastructure to optimize quality and production.

Scaling Operations

The mid-1990s brought rapid expansion, prompting the need for improved infrastructure. Harlan refined its production processes, reducing defects by 98% and warranty costs by 96%. Investments in advanced design technology, such as Pro-E virtual assembly, further enhanced product quality and efficiency.

21st Century Innovations

Harlan achieved ISO 9001 certification, reinforcing its commitment to quality. The company introduced the HLE Low Profile Electric Tractor and an eco-friendly tractor using the Ford ESG 6-4.2 engine. By 1999, a company-wide digital network streamlined global operations, ensuring seamless communication and faster response times.

Today, Harlan Global continues to lead with cutting-edge designs, operational excellence, and a commitment to innovation in material handling solutions.