Hitachi Construction Machinery establishes LANDCROS Development Center Europe GmbH as its first new company under the LANDCROS name. This move supports the upcoming brand transition to LANDCROS Corporation in 2027.
LANDCROS Development Center Europe Details
The company is set up in the State of Hesse, Germany, starting January 1, 2026, pending approvals. Hitachi Construction Machinery owns 100% with a capital of 2 million euros, about 0.33 billion yen at 1 euro = 166 yen. It begins with around 15 employees focused on the research and development of construction machinery products.
Plans call for hiring up to 100 developers skilled in construction machinery and automobiles. This center targets battery-powered excavators, ICT-compatible products, and related solutions to meet European market demands.
Strategic Focus in Europe
Europe leads in strict construction regulations and low-carbon goals, boosting the need for zero-emission equipment like battery excavators. High demand exists for labor-saving ICT tools and multi-purpose machines from standard excavators.
Previously, joint venture KTEG GmbH handled such developments, with Kiesel Technology GmbH at 50.1% and Hitachi at 49.9%. Now, KTEG shifts to special application products marketing, while the new LANDCROS center leads battery and ICT work.
Hitachi aims to collaborate openly with European partners for faster high-performance product launches.
Broader LANDCROS Brand Expansion
The LANDCROS concept launched in 2024, blending “LAND” for a prosperous society with “CROS” for Customer, Reliable, Open, Solutions. Hitachi Construction Machinery will rebrand fully to LANDCROS Corporation on April 1, 2027, after shareholder approval.
This European center marks the brand’s first dedicated company ahead of the name change. It strengthens global innovation in sustainable construction machinery.
Company Background
Hitachi Construction Machinery, Tokyo-based (TSE: 6305), employs 26,000 worldwide with fiscal 2024 sales of 1,371.3 billion yen, 84% overseas. President Masafumi Senzaki leads efforts in hydraulic excavators, wheel loaders, and mining gear.
Image Credit – hitachicm.com
