Kobelco USA opens production facility in North America

Kobelco Construction Machinery USA has opened a new hydraulic excavator production facility in North America.

The $41 million facility was completed within one year and will produce 1,800 units per annum. The company held an event to mark the facility's opening, which was attended by parent company Kobe Steel of Japan, the South Carolina Department of Commerce, the Spartanburg County Council and representatives of the Association of Equipment Manufacturers.

Jennifer Noel Fletcher, Deputy Secretary of Commerce in South Carolina, commented: “It’s an inspiration when you see the state of the art facility completed. It gives you cause to think about this achievement and how much hard work and planning it took from each team. That commitment will remain with KOBELCO at the new facility as they grow. We look forward to continuing this remarkable partnership for many years to come.”

The new manufacturing facility will allow Kobelco to increase its market share in the US and it includes a 156,000 square foot production plant, 17,000 square foot office building and areas for both machinery parking and demonstration. The property also provides KOBELCO with plenty of space for future production capacity expansion. "Within three years, we’ve moved into a new US headquarters, parts distribution warehouse in Katy, Texas, and built a manufacturing facility that is now fully operational,” said Pete Morita, President and CEO of Kobelco USA.

Product line offerings and capacity will be increased in accordance with market development, and future production plans at the facility are expected to include most of Kobelco’s excavator models.

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