17. September

Our morning started with a visit to Liebherr USA’s headquarters in Newport News, and from the moment we arrived, it was clear that this would not be an ordinary company tour. After a warm welcome, we got the chance to look behind the scenes of one of the world’s leading industrial companies in their field.



Most people know Liebherr for its giant cranes and construction equipment, but the company is involved in far more than that. At the Newport News site, the focus is mainly on servicing, repairing, and maintaining heavy machinery, and as we quickly learned, keeping these massive machines, running is a huge operation. Their also producing big trucks for mining right next door. Some employees work in the workshops, while others spend much of their time traveling directly to customer sites across the country.
Walking through the enormous service halls was an experience in itself. Everywhere we looked, cranes were being inspected, repaired, or prepared for their next job, and standing next to these machines really put their size into perspective.



Another highlight was the parts warehouse, which felt almost endless. Towering shelves filled with pallets stretched several stories high and seemed to go on forever. What impressed us most was the automated storage system for smaller components. By entering a part number, the system would automatically retrieve the correct item and deliver it within moments, making the whole process look incredibly efficient From this warehouse, parts are shipped all over the United States to service and distribution centers, ensuring that customers can keep their equipment running.



While the tour was fascinating, the most memorable part of the visit came afterwards. We were fortunate enough to spend nearly an hour speaking with Hiro Imakoji, CEO of Liebherr USA, and we would like to sincerely thank him for taking the time to meet with us and answer our questions so openly.

The conversation covered a surprisingly wide range of topics. We discussed artificial intelligence, the future of work, tariffs, patents, global business challenges, and even the US perspective on Germany. A thing that surprised me personally was that Mr. Imakoji speaks German fluently, throughout the discussion, he occasionally switched to German or used German expressions to emphasize certain points, which made the conversation even more engaging.


One particularly interesting insight concerned tariffs. While many people focus on their financial impact, he explained that one of the biggest challenges is actually keeping company systems up to date with constantly changing regulations and requirements. New processes and software solutions often have to be developed simply to ensure prices and business operations remain compliant. We also talked about workplace culture. According to Mr. Imakoji, Americans often have a very solution-oriented mindset. Rather than spending too much time complaining about a problem, they tend to focus on finding a way forward and adapting to new circumstances.


When asked what skills would be most valuable for young professionals in the future, his answer was clear: take responsibility, stay adaptable, and learn how to work with artificial intelligence. AI is already becoming an important part of daily business operations, and those who understand how to use it effectively will have a significant advantage.


After an inspiring morning and afternoon, it was time for something completely different: authentic American BBQ.


And it did not disappoint.


The food was fantastic; the atmosphere was relaxed and we left with full stomachs and a much greater appreciation for why BBQ is such an important part of American culture.

To end the day, we visited a large shopping mall and enjoyed some free time exploring the stores. It was a nice opportunity to unwind, reflect on everything we had learned, and simply enjoy the evening together.


Looking back, this Thursday was much more than a company visit. It was a day filled with new perspectives, valuable conversations, impressive technology, and memorable experiences. From standing beneath giant cranes to discussing the future of AI with a CEO and ending the day with classic American BBQ, it perfectly captured what this trip is all about.