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.”
Finance & Funding

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Hitachi working in Assisi
    July 17, 2012
    In Italy, Casaioli SNC, which specialises in earthmoving, road construction and groundworks, has found that its Hitachi ZAXIS 60USB-3 compact excavator is small enough to work in the narrow streets of Assisi and also powerful enough to do the job. The company is replacing gas and water pipes in the historic city and helping to reconstruct the road network, which was damaged in the 1997 earthquake. Owner Giorgio Casaioli says: "The machine is also quiet, which is very important when working in a city such as
    Read More
  • Innovations in earthmoving
    May 13, 2024
    New innovations for the crawler excavator market will boost productivity as well as sustainability – Mike Woof writes
    Read More
  • Key advances in asphalt compaction technology
    February 18, 2013
    A wide range of new models is being introduced for the asphalt equipment compaction market – Mike Woof reports. The asphalt compaction equipment market is seeing the introduction of new machines from an array of major manufacturers. Manufacturers have introduced both steel drum and rubber tyred rollers to meet customer demands in specific markets as well as globally, and have also developed innovative new compaction practices. Competition in the asphalt compaction market is increasingly tough, with many of
    Read More
  • Strong performance sees Wirtgen Group bullish
    September 30, 2014
    The Wirtgen Group reports that strong financial performance is expected for 2014. Full results are not yet available for 2014 but the privately held, family owned firm is confident for good results. Joint president Jürgen Wirtgen said, “Sales for 2014 will reach €1.95 billion.” He explained that for the first half of 2013, turnover reached €285 million, whereas for the first six months of 2014, turnover reached €329 million, a jump of 15%. The second half of the year is also looking healthy with the firm on
    Read More

Highlighted Content