MANUFACTURER NEWS
Komatsu, Hitachi plan to strengthen European market
Komatsu and Hitachi Construction Machinery recently announced plans to strengthen their marketing operations in Europe. Komatsu will disperse its marketing operations among three factories this month. Hitachi has taken increased stakes in its sales agents in Britain and Italy and recently established new sales agents in 13 European countries.
Volvo Technology award presented to telematics system
The Volvo Technology award 2003 was presented April 9 to the group that developed the “Volvo Link” telematics system at Volvo Trucks North America and Volvo IT. Volvo Link technology combines satellite signals and the Internet to produce navigation functions, emergency assistance and traffic information. The Volvo Technology Award is bestowed annually to a division of Volvo that has expressed prominent technological efforts.
Cascade acquires fork manufacturer
Cascade, a manufacturer of load handling devices, announced April 3 it has acquired FEMA forks, a German fork manufacturer. FEMA, located in Hagen, Germany, is a major supplier of forks to Europe’s lift truck manufacturing industry. Cascade currently has factories in Britain, France and Italy.
AEM elects new members
The Association of Equipment Manufacturers recently elected seven companies for membership in the international trade group for companies that manufacture construction-related equipment and services. The companies elected include Bell Equipment N.A. of Garden City, Ga.; Birchwood Consulting International of Mequon, Wis.; Wilco Manufacturing of Lafayette, La.; Hyco International of Atlanta; Mody Pumps of Bakersfield, Calif.; Lifton Industries of Aalborg, Denmark; and Southco of Concordville, Pa.
PEOPLE ON THE MOVE
LeeBoy names president
Asphalt paving product manufacturer LeeBoy announced the appointment of Kelly Majeskie as president and chief operating officer April 3. Majeskie, who previously served as vice president – sales and marketing, joined the company in 2000. He will be responsible for overseeing LeeBoy’s leadership position in the road construction and maintenance equipment market.
