News

Hitachi Construction Machinery (Europe) has a new president and CEO in Moriyaki Kadoya, who started at HCME at the beginning of April, 2012. This is the second time that he has worked for the manufacturer in Europe. Speaking at the launch of seven new machines on the firm’s INTERMAT exhibition stand, Mr Kadoya said the European market remains important for Hitachi, with signs of recovery in many countries.

Urban artists Mr Shiz and Foundry are spray-painting two 7m by 5m canvasses during the show to help IPAF highlight the safe and effective use of powered access equipment. Both have been trained and licensed to operate the equipment safely and visitors can see them at work in the IPAF Safety Zone, which also features information and guidance for managers and operators.

XCMG is believed to be in advanced negotiations over the purchase of major concrete machinery manufacturer Schwing as part of its ambitious plans to break into the top three companies for construction machine sales by 2015. One company source said the acquisition of Germany-based Schwing would be a “big thing” for the global construction machinery industry. “We feel they can contribute to our competitiveness in the concrete machinery sector. Our lower manufacturing costs and their high level technology make

Asphalt Burner Services (ABS), a provider of asphalt servicing and spare part products, has fitted one of its Vulcan Burner’s at Cemex Shap, in Cumbria, North West England. ABS says Cemex has noted that fuel usage has reduced, emissions have lowered and overall plant performance has increased substantially.

Monsieur Bernard Accoyer, the president of the French National Assembly, officially opened INTERMAT 2012 with a traditional ribbon cutting ceremony. Equipped with gold-plated scissors, M Accoyer paused for the media before slicing through the tricolour ribbon on his way to an extensive 90-minute tour of the show’s exhibition halls, to savour all that the construction industry has to offer.

Unic Cranes Europe (UCE) has made a teaser video showcasing what the company claims is the world’s strongest mini crane - set to be unveiled at INTERMAT 2012. The Unic URW-1006 mini spider crane is said to have an unrivalled 10tonnes of lifting power as well as 30.7metres lifting height and 24.3metre working radius. According to UCE, the machine’s 2metre width allows it to retain class-beating minimal dimensions for working in restricted spaces.

European construction equipment manufacturers expect another modest increase in sales of 6% compared to 2011. “The industry’s total turnover would then amount to €25 billion,” said Johann Sailer, president of the Committee for European Construction Equipment (CECE) at INTERMAT. According to Sailer this is still a little down on the figures of top years of 2007-2008, when the European industry reached a record turnover of €31 billion. But the overall mood of European manufacturers is optimistic.

CNH is planning to build a new factory at Minais Gerais in Brazil in an investment worth some US$341.4 million (R$600 million). The factory will be located in Montes Claros, in the northern part of Minas Gerais.

Chinese construction equipment firm Sany is buying Putzmeister, the German manufacturer of concrete pumps. The terms of the deal have not been revealed officially but the acquisition is said to be worth €360-500 million according to various reports.