Skip to main content

Hitachi restructuring its European factories

Hitachi Construction Machinery (Europe) NV (HCME) intends to reorganise its European manufacturing operations. The firm has two factories in Oosterhout and Amsterdam and is making the change in a bid to boost both efficiency and competitiveness, with this move planned to be complete by April 2018. The current Oosterhout factory is to focus its entire operation on mini and compact excavators, ranging from 1-8tonnes. Hitachi says that its market share in this segment has risen significantly in recent years
March 14, 2017 Read time: 2 mins
Hitachi is reorganising its European manufacturing operations in a bid to boost capacity
233 Hitachi Construction Machinery (Europe) NV (1139 HCME) intends to reorganise its European manufacturing operations. The firm has two factories in Oosterhout and Amsterdam and is making the change in a bid to boost both efficiency and competitiveness, with this move planned to be complete by April 2018.

The current Oosterhout factory is to focus its entire operation on mini and compact excavators, ranging from 1-8tonnes. Hitachi says that its market share in this segment has risen significantly in recent years and the move will help to meet growing demand by increasing production by more than 50%.

Hitachi will also set up a new distribution centre, which together with the Oosterhout factory will serve as a hub for the delivery of mini and compact excavators. Customers will benefit from considerably shorter delivery times.

Hitachi has made several investments in the Oosterhout factory in recent years, which have vastly improved its overall efficiency and quality standards.

In line with the restructure, production of the ZX85 excavator will move from the Amsterdam factory to Oosterhout. Assembly of Hitachi’s special application machines (including demolition, super long front and clamshell telescopic arm excavators) will move to the Amsterdam factory from Oosterhout later this year. HCME is confident that there will be no compulsory redundancies and any permanent staff affected by the restructure will be redeployed elsewhere within the company.

HCME Director Production and Procurement, Kazutoshi Yoshioka said, “The main objective of the factory restructure is to increase production efficiency and performance in response to growing demand. This is one of the many steps we are taking as a world-leading construction machinery supplier that continuously strives to meet its customers’ needs. I am confident that our competitive position in the market will be enhanced as a result, so that we can continue to be relied upon as a trusted business partner by our customers.”

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Moving the earth with improved environmental credentials
    August 9, 2018
    Driver comfort, more power and improved environmental credentials highlight some of the latest earthmoving equipment Doosan Construction Equipment has launched a new version of the company’s DA30 30tonne class articulated dump truck (ADT), now in a new colour scheme. Most of the changes are for better operator comfort and controllability of the machine. But there are also changes in the driveline and electrical systems. The most important development is an upgrade of the suspension to a hydro-gas self-lev
  • Volvo CE sees strong financial performance in second quarter
    July 19, 2017
    Strong financial performance in claimed by Volvo CE for the second quarter of 2017. The firm saw sales grow 36% in a strong second quarter, aided by its transformation programme and from increasing demand in key markets. There were significant improvements in both sales and earnings. Good cost control as volumes return also resulted in a significant improvement in profitability. Net sales in the second quarter amounting to SEK 18,511 million for the second quarter of 2017, compared with SEK 13,630 million f
  • New ADTs offer low emissions performance and fast cycle times
    December 2, 2014
    Its incredible versatility means that the articulated dumptruck (ADT) has become a popular piece of equipment for quarrying or earthmoving applications. For quarrying in particular, the machines are highly useful as they are able to cope with steeper ramp hauls and tougher terrain than rigid haulers offering similar payloads.
  • New US pavers coming to market
    June 21, 2016
    Key developments are being seen in the market for US pavers, with new models being introduced by several key manufacturers - Mike Woof writes An array of new US-style paver models is now being made available on the market. Several of the main manufacturers have developed updated paver models, with new low emission engines being amongst the key upgrades being fitted. Atlas Copco has new Dynapac pavers available in the shape of its F800T tracked machine as well as the F1000T tracked and F1000W wheeled