MANUFACTURER NEWS
Deere, Bombardier to develop utility vehicles
Deere and Bombardier will develop wheeled utility vehicles and technologies under a strategic alliance the companies announced Thursday. A John Deere-branded line of utility vehicles derived from a Bombardier all-terrain vehicle platform will be the first product resulting from the alliance. The utility vehicles will be launched in the United States and Canada by the end of 2003. Bombardier designs and manufactures utility and motorized recreational vehicles
Hitachi develops hybrid wheel loader
Hitachi Construction Machinery reported last week it has developed the world’s first hybrid construction machine, a wheel loader that runs on an electric motor powered by a diesel engine. According to a report by the Dow Jones, the machine is 40 percent more fuel efficient than conventional models and emits less gas and noise.
Terex to join SDC in restructuring Tatra
Terex announced last week it will join SDC International in restructuring Tatra, a Czech Republic heavy-duty truck manufacturer SDC purchased in 2001. A management consulting arrangement among SDC, Tatra and Terex calls for Terex personnel to assist in restructuring the day-to-day operations of Tatra. The restructuring will include reorganizing and consolidating manufacturing facilities, outsourcing some Tatra parts and components and reducing overhead.
DEALER NEWS
Nortrax buys Michigan John Deere dealerships
Nortrax, John Deere Construction & Forestry’s largest dealer, has acquired the assets of Rush Equipment Company – Michigan. The new organization will represent John Deere and Timberjack products from three locations in Michigan: Detroit; Grand Rapids; and Traverse City. Nortrax operates 56 John Deere construction and forestry equipment retail stores in the United States.
PEOPLE ON THE MOVE
Cummins last week appointed Jill Cook vice president – human resources. She will lead the development and implementation of strategic human resource initiatives across all business units. Cook began her career with Cummins in 1988. She has held various human resources positions, including labor relations and line human resources at several Cummins manufacturing plants.
Bobcat, a unit of Ingersoll-Rand, has named Mike Ryan president. He succeeds Jim Sharp, who recently became president of Ingersoll-Rand’s construction equipment business in Davidson, N.C. Ryan has more than 30 years of experience at companies including Ford, Masco, United Technologies and Lucas Varity/TRW. He worked in manufacturing, quality improvement and senior general management positions with those companies. Most recently he was executive vice president of operations for Intermet, a $1 billion publicly traded metal casting business.
