KOBELCO Construction and Cranes businesses announce plans to merge in 2017

KOBELCO Construction Machinery U.S.A. and KOBELCO Cranes North America announce plans to merge under KOBELCO Construction Machinery U.S.A., effective January 1, 2017. The union of these subsidiaries in the North American market takes place following the KOBELCO Construction Machinery Co., Ltd. global construction machinery excavators and cranes merger that was announced in April 2016.

KOBELCO Construction Machinery U.S.A and KOBELCO Cranes North America have each made several advancements to continue their momentum of growth and commitment to the North American market. By merging the two businesses, the company will take a leap forward as a comprehensive construction machinery manufacturer that provides superior product development, manufacturing capabilities, and enhanced sales support in the U.S.A. The newly combined organization will be represented by two strong dealer networks that are dedicated to delivering the best products, parts, and services in the industry for both the excavator and the crane businesses. Both dealer networks will continue as independent networks serving their respective industries.

Headquartered in Katy, Texas, KOBELCO Construction Machinery U.S.A. will be led by new President and CEO, Naoto Suzuki and will be comprised of three independent divisions – excavator, crane, and manufacturing. Katsuhiko “Pete” Morita, named as Vice President - Excavator Division and Jack Fendrick, named as Vice President – Crane Division, will lead their respective divisions from the Texas headquarters. Hiroshi “Rocky” Morita, is named Vice President - Manufacturing, and will be based out of the KOBELCO North American production facility in Spartanburg, South Carolina.

“This consolidation will harness the strength of both businesses to build our capabilities as a whole,” says Naoto Suzuki. “It will further enhance our service functions, strengthen our product development capabilities, and reinforce our foundation in the North American market. We are very excited about the new opportunities the merger will provide KOBELCO Construction Machinery U.S.A. and we look forward to continuing our growth in this market.”

KOBELCO Construction Machinery U.S.A. offers crawler excavators in the 3,000 lb. to 245,000 lb. classes including zero tail swing, compact, standard, long-reach, mass excavation, and demolition models. The KOBELCO crane business offers lattice-boom crawler cranes that range from 85 tons to 600 tons.