The move strengthens the duo’s successful long-standing partnership, including the use of Yanmar diesel engines in Gehl and Mustang branded compact equipment manufactured in America by Manitou.
Under the new alliance, Manitou is launching a line of compact excavators manufactured by Yanmar under the Gehl and Mustang brands for the North American sales region. Manitou says it is confident that the new line of excavators provided by Yanmar will meet the needs of its customers in a “very important” sales region.
The new closer working relationship with Yanmar marks the end of Manitou’s distribution deal with
Meanwhile, Yanmar intend to launch a range of skid loaders and compact track loaders designed and manufactured in the United States by Manitou’s Compact Equipment Division under the Yanmar brand for distribution in North America.
Manitou and Yanmar say they will look at broader distribution opportunities aimed at growing sales activities for both companies while strengthening each company’s independent dealer network. Additional opportunities for manufacturing alliances will also be sought to shorten time to market, while utilising existing worldwide manufacturing facilities and expertise.
Daniel Miller, Manitou Americas president and chief executive officer, said: “Manitou is extremely excited about this enhanced alliance and the opportunities it presents for our dealers and customers.”
Recently published Manitou trading figures show that the company’s revenue was €1.131m in 2011, up 35% on 2010.
