Wacker Neuson and Caterpillar to end alliance for mini-excavators under 3 tons in 2018

By MEq August 25, 2016 23:45

In 2010, Wacker Neuson and Caterpillar entered into a strategic alliance which saw Wacker Neuson developing and producing mini hydraulic excavators under three tons operating weight exclusively for Caterpillar at its production plant in Hörsching, Austria. Initiated by Caterpillar, both parties have today agreed to end their strategic alliance as of May 31, 2018. Caterpillar plans to manufacture and market its own mini hydraulic excavators in future. Wacker Neuson will continue to manufacture selected mini excavator models until end of 2019 as part of an ongoing OEM supply relationship.

For several years, Wacker Neuson and Caterpillar have enjoyed a successful and collaborative relationship which has been beneficial to both parties. The alliance has provided positive brand enhancements for both parties in the competitive market segment of mini excavators. Caterpillar customers have benefited from the high quality products, expertise and focus provided by Wacker Neuson in this product range. Customers of both organizations will continue to be supported with spare parts and technical services. Other Wacker Neuson light and compact equipment sold and serviced by Wacker Neuson at Caterpillar dealers and rental stores are unaffected by this change.

Caterpillar’s Building Construction Products Division will design and manufacture the new machines, building on the proven attributes of the larger Cat mini excavators. Five of the current models (301.4C, 301.7D, 301.7D CR, 302.2D and 302.4D) manufactured by Wacker Neuson will phase out in mid-2018, and the 302.7D CR will phase out at the end of 2019. The 300.9D will also phase out at the end of 2019 or later if mutually agreed by both parties.

“Wacker Neuson has been an excellent alliance partner, providing Caterpillar high quality mini excavators in this smaller size class for the past several years,” said Korey Coon, general manager with responsibility for mini hydraulic excavators and small track-type tractors. “The market for these products has grown, and we believe that internally designing, manufacturing and distributing these excavators will provide an even higher value to our customers, dealers and shareholders.”

The Wacker Neuson Group will continue its international growth strategy, distributing its extensive product range of excavators from 0.8 to 14.5 tons operating weight via its global sales channels. Wacker Neuson will continue to focus on delivering innovative products that provide customers with even more value added. Caterpillar will continue to purchase selected products made by Wacker Neuson to complement their own product offering in the future beyond the end of the alliance in 2018.