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Sitech, the global distribution network for Trimble's construction technology systems, continues to expand, with almost 110 dealerships now in operation worldwide. The customer base of this network is set to grow significantly with Trimble's recent entry into the quarrying and aggregate business. In Germany, the four local dealerships have recently merged to form a single national Sitech bringing benefits both to customers and the company, said Andreas Linnartz, chief executive officer of Sitech Germany sp

Sales were good for Wacker Neuson in 2015 but it was an uphill battle, according to Cem Peksaglam, the chief executive of Wacker Neuson Group. Since 2011 the German machine maker has seen “good growth”, said Peksaglam. Revenue was up 39% during this period, for around 8.5% annual compound growth. Revenue reached around €1.38 billion last year, despite “a little bit of a struggle” in 2015, he told reporters during a presentation at bauma. Sales in North America were strong in the infrastructure mark

Mammoet, one of the world market leaders in the field of engineered heavy lifting and transport, has ordered 17 Kobelco cranes for its worldwide operations. Included in the deal are 15 cranes of the second generation CKE-/BME-G-series, equipped with the new engine in compliance with NRMM Europe Stage IV and US EPA Tier 4 Final regulations. These include three CKE1100-2 with 110tonne maximum lifting capacity; seven CKE1350G-2 (150tonne lifting capacity) and five CKE2500G-2 (250tonne lifting capacity).

Makoto Yamazawa has taken over as president and CEO of Hitachi Construction Machinery Europe (HCME). Having joined Hitachi straight out of university, Yamazawa has had a long and varied career within the firm and said, “My first position was as a domestic sales rep.” The role in Europe is a challenging one as HCME sells machines into 40 countries, while its equipment ranges from small rental products right up to the large mining trucks and shovels. Yamazawa has considerable experience of Hitachi’s mining e

The Fayat Group is developing its operations, with a greater focus on international operations a key direction for this French firm. Jean-Claude Fayat, president of the Fayat Group, said, “It’s important for us to be a family company. We have three values, autonomy, commitment and audacity.” Being a family-owned business has allowed the firm to respond quickly to changes in market demand - the board of directors can make decisions and implement them whereas publicly-owned firms have to involve shareholde

AUSA’s Taurulift line of telehandlers continues to connect with customers who want an “ultracompact” lifting machine. “The idea is to replace skid steer loaders with this ultra-compact machine,” said Josep Soler, country manager for AUSA. The Taurulift functions in a similar way to a telehandler but also can quickly incorporate a bucket. It handles a sizeable payload as well. The machines are extremely compact, with the lift heights of the products at 6m and below. Yet they can carry loads of 1.5 tonnes, ex

Digital design and construction must become standard for construction projects in Germany, said Alexander Dobrindt, the country's federal minister of transport and digital infrastructure. He was speaking during a panel discussion on building information modelling (BIM) and the construction site at bauma 2016. Germany has a strong reputation for innovation and know-how, but there is no guarantee that today's market leaders will still be ahead tomorrow, said Dobrindt. The country needs a new construction cult

Belgian crushing and screening manufacturer Keestrack, which was started 20 years ago, is looking towards the next 20 years with a complete rebrand. At bauma the company’s owners and managers - Kees Hoogendoorn, president, and his wife Annet - along with family and employees, toasted a new era. It unveiled a new company logo, new nomenclature, and premiered many new machines and model updates across its entire broad-based programme of mobile processing technology.

Zhao Jian, of Sinopec, and Sun Jianzhong, vice president of XCMG Construction Machinery, officially signed an agreement for the two organisations to co-operate on developing hydraulic fluids. The deal was inked during an opening ceremony at bauma on the stand of XCMG, China’s largest construction machinery manufacturer. A spokesperson for XCMG said it is the first time that an agreement has been sig

A new line of JCB mini excavators has been designed to provide the expected productivity while lowering operating costs. “Really it’s all about the cost of ownership, and keeping that as low as we possibly can,” said Mick Sanders, product manager with JCB. The new mini excavators are the 48Z-I, 51R-I, 55Z-I and 57C-I. Weights range from 4792 kg to 5483 kg. In addition to low cost, the machines are designed to provide greater height and lift. Bucket and dipper tear-out have been improved as well.

In glorious spring sunshine, bauma 2016 opened its doors. Thousands of visitors poured into the show grounds at Messe Munchen International to see the latest innovations in construction equipment. Exhibitors from all over the world include Caterpillar, Hyundai, Wirtgen and Komatsu.