The Wacker Neuson Group, a leading manufacturer of compact and construction machines, have announced a collaboration with the John Deere Construction & Forestry Company, for mini and compact excavators.
The long-term exclusive original equipment manufacture (OEM) supply agreement covers mini and compact excavators weighing less than five metric tons, including battery electric excavators.
Wacker Neuson will design and manufacture the machines at its facilities in Menomonee Falls, USA, as well as Linz, Austria for the requirements of John Deere mainly for North America.
The excavators will be distributed under the John Deere brand via John Deere’s global dealer network. The companies plan a phased introduction of models. All Wacker Neuson models in the same product range will continue to be distributed under the Wacker Neuson brand through Wacker Neuson’s own distribution network.
Dr Karl Tragl, Wacker Neuson Group CEO, said: “We are very much looking forward to adding another layer to our growth strategy through this OEM agreement with John Deere for mini and compact excavators. Our relationship with John Deere has been a successful collaboration that spans many years in both the agricultural and construction sectors.
“Our product and manufacturing excellence complements John Deere’s established market reach in North America to open up outstanding business opportunities in the attractive mini and compact excavator market segment”
Domenic Ruccolo, John Deere senior vice president, sales, marketing, and product support, global construction equipment, said: “Excavators are an integral part of our customers’ job sites and we anticipate growing demand to continue.
“As we look to the future of our excavator line-up, this agreement will allow us greater flexibility as we continue to deliver a robust product portfolio that prioritises the operator experience.”
At the end of last year John Deere, the American corporation that manufactures agricultural machinery and heavy equipment, acquired a majority interest in the Austrian company Kreisel Electric, who specialises in renewable battery energy. This is another step from the US giant as it moves towards electrifying its equipment.
Jerred Pauwels, John Deere vice president, excavators, strategy and business development, said: “We’re excited about the expanded agreement as it supports our goal of bringing productivity-driven features and industry-leading technology to customers with greater agility.
“Through this relationship, we’ll innovate faster, and offer additional features and performance differentiation for our customers.”
The Wacker Neuson Group is an international group of companies headquartered in Munich, Germany, employing around 6,000 people worldwide. As a leading manufacturer of light and compact equipment, the Group offers its customers a broad portfolio of products and a wide range of services.
