Hitachi Construction Machinery Establishes LANDCROS Development Center Europe GmbH in Germany

Hitachi Construction Machinery (Europe) NV (“HCME”) announces that Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd. (President and Executive Officer: Masafumi Senzaki; "Hitachi Construction Machinery") will establish "LANDCROS Development Center Europe GmbH," ("LANDCROS Development Center Europe") , a wholly owned subsidiary in Germany, effective January 1, 2026. This marks a strategic expansion of the company's R&D capabilities for battery-powered excavators, ICT-enabled products, and digital solutions.

By establishing a dedicated R&D hub in Europe, a region at the forefront of environmental regulations and advanced construction technology, Hitachi Construction Machinery will rapidly bring next-generation products and solutions to customers worldwide. This marks the establishment of the first new company to bear the "LANDCROS" name since announcing the trade name and brand transition plan, signalling a bold step in the company's transformation.

Europe: The Ideal Innovation Hub

The European market presents unique opportunities for construction machinery innovation. With some of the world's strictest environmental regulations and growing demand for zero-emission equipment, Europe mirrors the global shift toward sustainable construction practices. Similar to the automotive industry's electric transition, construction machinery that eliminates Co2 emissions during operation is rapidly gaining traction across the region.

Europe also leads in labor-saving technologies and efficiency-driven construction. European dealers and specialists routinely develop multi-purpose excavator attachments and ICT-equipped machinery, creating an ecosystem of innovation that drives the industry forward.

"Establishing LANDCROS Development Center Europe strengthens our commitment to working closely with European partners and leveraging the region’s leadership in sustainability and technology," says Francesco Quaranta, HCME President and CEO. "This new hub will enable us to co-create next-generation solutions that meet local needs while driving global progress in zero-emission and digital construction machinery." 

Separating Global Innovation from Regional Specialization

Since its establishment in 2018, KTEG GmbH ("KTEG"), a joint venture between Kiesel Technology GmbH (50.1%) and Hitachi Construction Machinery (49.9%), has achieved significant milestones in developing battery-powered excavators, ICT products, and specialized applications for the European market. This success culminated in the showcase of nine zero-emission machines under both the KTEG and Hitachi brands at Bauma, demonstrating the effectiveness of the joint venture's innovation capabilities.

With the new strategic separation both organizations will excel in their respective areas while working collaboratively to serve the European market and beyond. The new center aims to attract top engineering talent from the construction machinery and automotive industries, targeting approximately 100 developers in the coming years.

This establishment represents a clear division of development responsibilities in Europe:

• LANDCROS Development Center Europe will focus on developing next-generation battery-powered excavators, ICT-compatible products, and digital solutions aligned with Hitachi Construction Machinery's medium- to long-term global roadmap
• KTEG will concentrate its expertise on developing and marketing specialized application products tailored to European customer needs

Global Development Network

LANDCROS Development Center Europe will serve as a vital hub in Hitachi Construction Machinery's global development network, working alongside development centers in Japan and India, to begin with. The company will collaborate openly with European partners, including automotive industry suppliers and technology specialists, to deliver innovative solutions that meet evolving customer needs worldwide.

"LANDCROS Development Center Europe represents a bold step toward redefining the future of construction machinery," concludes Francesco.  "By investing in advanced R&D capabilities in Europe, we are accelerating innovation in battery-powered equipment, ICT integration, and digital solutions that will shape a more sustainable and efficient industry worldwide."