Takeuchi opens new midi excavator factory

Takeuchi has opened a new factory in Japan that will boost production capacity by 50% when it reaches full operation at the end of 2024.

The factory in Aoki, Nagano, covers an area of approximately 50,000m² with total floor space of 31,600m². It will produce the full range of Takeuchi’s midi excavators, from 4 to 9 tonnes, which are switching from its main production plant nearby in Sakaki, Nagano.

The Takeuchi Aoki Factory will prduce midi excavators in the 4 to 9 tonne range. (Photo: Takeuchi)

The OEM said the factory – which is powered by renewable energy and solar - will give a 35% increase in productivity by spring 2024, expanding to 50% by the end of the year.

The investment is in response to growing demand for its excavators and tracked loaders, the company having seen a rapid return to growth post-pandemic and increased demand from distributors in Europe, Oceania and North America.

Takeuchi added; “The increased capacity provides a platform for additional demand from new business territories worldwide.”

The company opened a new US plant last year to produce compact tracked loaders. The main Sakaki factory now makes mini excavators under 3 tonnes, excavators in 9 to 15 tonne sizes, and tracked loaders.

Solar panels help power the new Takeuchi plant at Aoki, Nagano. (Photo: Takeuchi)

The company said climate change issues had motivated it to work to a “busy schedule” in developing new battery powered and electric machines up to 6 tonnes. It will also continue the development of lower emission technology on its existing diesel machines.

In addition to the investment in production capacity, Takeuchi has established a European Part Centre based in Nijmegen, 60 miles east of Rotterdam in the Netherlands.