Hitachi Construction Machinery (Europe)
Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd
Since it was established in 1970, as a subsidiary of Hitachi, Ltd., HCM has become the third largest construction machinery manufacturer in the world. Based in Japan, the company has production plants in Asia, Europe, North and South America, and employs more than 25,000 people worldwide.
Over the past few decades, HCM has developed a full line of industry-leading construction equipment.
This includes excavators (one to 800 tonnes), wheel loaders and dump trucks.
You can find them hard at work around the globe – on infrastructure and construction projects, in the mining and quarrying industries, as well as demolition, forestry, waste and recycling.
- History
- Company outline
- HCM's Manufacturing Bases
- Environmental vision
Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd. (HCM) has always been at the forefront of innovation in the construction industry. Established in Japan in 1970, it released the world’s first fully hydraulic crawler crane, the KH150, a year later. Its origins date back to 1949, however, and the introduction of the Hitachi U05, Japan’s first mechanical excavator.
These firsts have continued over the decades, with HCM’s expanding product line encompassing mini and ultra-large excavators, wheel loaders and crawler cranes. Subsidiaries, sales companies and joint ventures for production have expanded the company’s international presence. Today, HCM is a global full-line supplier of construction equipment, and the third largest construction machinery manufacturer in the world.
HCM outline
Company name:
Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd
Capital:
81,576 million Yen (Total Number of Shares Issued: 215,115,038)
Head Office:
2-5-1 Koraku, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 112-8563, Japan
Ever wondered where Hitachi machines are designed, produced, tested and customised? HCM has state-of-the-art facilities dotted around the globe. The majority are located in Japan, including Tsuchiura Works, the largest factory of its kind in the world. Most Hitachi products are tested at the 427-hectare Urahoro Test Site, in job site conditions and extreme weather.
If you were to visit any Hitachi production base, whether it’s in Europe, North or South America, the CIS or Asia, you would see the highest standards of safety and quality. You’d also see the level of teamwork and dedication from our employees, who ensure that we can meet the global demand for Hitachi construction equipment.
As the first to introduce carbon-offset products in the construction machinery industry, HCM is leading the way in sustainability. By promoting low-energy and zero emissions at its production bases, and controlling the CO2 emissions of its products, it is actively contributing to environmental conservation as well as lowering costs for you, the customer.
Hitachi Construction Machinery (Europe) NV
HCME is responsible for the manufacture, sales and marketing of Hitachi construction equipment throughout Europe and parts of Africa.
The company employs more than 600 people.
Hitachi produces the widest range of hydraulic excavators in the world, ranging from one-tonne minis to 800-tonne mining excavators. Every single model delivers a smooth and productive performance, and is comfortable, safe and reliable. In addition to excavators, HCME also supplies wheel loaders, rigid dump trucks and other construction equipment for special applications.
Successful operations at its European factories are allowing HCME to fulfil its business strategy and increase market share in each of its key markets. The company’s mission to ‘think global, act local’ is reflected in its focus on customer needs and the Hitachi brand values associated with innovation and technology.
Our HistoryOur History
- 1972
- 1981
- 1990
- 1997
- 2002
- 2006
- 2011
- 2012
- 2013
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- 2014
- 2015
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- 2020
HCME established in Oosterhout
Hitachi Construction Machinery (Europe) NV (HCME) was established in 1972, as the European subsidiary of Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd. Our company first opened its doors in Oosterhout, The Netherlands, with just four employees led by Mr Okajima.
New parts warehouse and 500th machine sold
We opened a new parts warehouse in Oosterhout to provide full support to all machines sold in Europe, Africa and the Middle East. In the same year, we celebrated the sale of the 500th model.
Mini excavator production
We started producing mini excavators in the factory at Oosterhout. During the 1990s, the number of models expanded from two to five, production volumes trebled and HCME became one of the leading mini excavator manufacturers in Europe.
ISO certification
HCME achieved ISO certification. The mini excavator factory in Oosterhout obtained the ISO 9001 certificate, followed by the Product Support department a year later. By 2000, the whole company was ISO 9001 certified.
Completion of Amsterdam Factory and TDC
Our management, international sales, product support and marketing departments moved to Amsterdam, where a new facility for manufacturing medium excavators, and the Training and Demonstration Centre was under construction. Our mini excavator and special application equipment factories, European parts depot and our Dutch dealer have remained in Oosterhout.
10,000th machine sold and Zaxis-3 launched
The 10,000th Hitachi machine rolled off the production line in Amsterdam. The ZX210LC-3 was one of the first new-generation Zaxis-3 medium excavators, which became renowned for their reliability and productivity, as well as operator safety and comfort.
European Distribution Centre opened in Oosterhout
A new 53,000m2 European Distribution Centre opened in Oosterhout. Three times the size of the previous centre, it has the capacity to stock up to 90,000 individual parts lines, and supplies them to our customers throughout Europe, Middle East, Russia/CIS and Africa.
40th anniversary celebrations
We celebrated the 40th anniversary of HCME’s operations in Europe with several events for employees and their families throughout the year. The new Zaxis-5 excavators and ZW-5 wheel loaders were also launched at Intermat.
Reorganisation of Oosterhout factory
The facilities at Oosterhout were restructured, and the Application Centre and Zaxis mini excavator factories merged into one operation. This involved combining the skills of our workforce for production, painting and assembly processes.
Reman Centre opened in Oosterhout
Our new Remanufacturing Centre opened its doors in Oosterhout, giving our customers access to an increased supply of components from Europe as well as Japan. It specialises in the supply of main pumps, swing and travel motors, and cylinders for Zaxis excavators, and transmissions for wheel loaders.
First hybrid excavator launched
The first Hitachi hybrid excavator was launched in Europe. The ZH210LC-5 combines a hybrid system with the energy-efficient TRIAS hydraulic system, to significantly lower fuel consumption and CO2 by up to 31%.
Hitachi launches the first Zaxis-6 excavator in Europe
Building on the success of the previous Zaxis-3 and -5 ranges, the -6 medium and large excavators were launched, offering high levels of productivity at the lowest possible cost of ownership. They are among the quietest, fuel-efficient, environmentally friendly and technologically advanced Hitachi machines to date.
HCME launches the Hitachi Premium Used scheme
The Premium Used scheme provides customers with peace of mind when they purchase a used Hitachi model, guaranteeing a high-quality machine with an approved warranty.
An industry-leading innovation
Hitachi unveiled a first for the construction industry. As part of its ConSite remote fleet monitoring system, two unique sensors were developed that monitor the quality of an excavator’s engine and hydraulic oil, 24/7.
Hitachi Premium Rental is launched
Under the Hitachi Premium Rental initiative, our excavators and wheel loaders were made available to rent direct from our dealer network. It offers customers access to the latest Hitachi models and provides maximum flexibility.
Joint venture
Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd announced an agreement with KTEG Kiesel Technologie Entwicklung GmbH to establish a new company. This develops electric construction machinery and special application products for the European market.
300,000th excavator
We celebrated the delivery of our 300,000th Hitachi compact excavator produced at the Hitachi Construction Machinery Tierra Co., Ltd factory in Japan! A customer in Norway took receipt of the ZX85US-6 machine in a special handover ceremony.
Launch of Zaxis-7
Hitachi proudly unveiled the latest machine range – the next generation Zaxis-7 medium excavators – to its European customers. With a redefined design, they will offer opportunities for owners to increase profits, as well as a more comfortable working environment for operators.
Environment & CSR
We have a responsibility to respect the environment and contribute to a sustainable society. That’s why we continuously develop our machines, to make them use less energy, last longer and utilise recyclable materials wherever possible. It’s also why we are always looking for ways to improve our production processes to minimise waste.
Supporting communities, through global initiatives and local charities, is another way we hope to make a positive contribution to society. Whether it’s supplying machines for disaster relief efforts, contributing to the development of a recycling-oriented society, conserving forests or helping to rebuild local communities – this is part of our commitment to enhancing people’s lives.
Dealer network
You can rely on our network of local dealers to provide you with a first-class service – for sales, delivery and maintenance of your Hitachi construction equipment. With expert training at our facilities in Amsterdam, and continuous access to our sales, service and parts teams, your local dealer offers the support your business demands.
Once your Hitachi machine is up and running, get the most from it using our comprehensive after-sales package, Support Chain. This includes parts, extended warranty and service contracts, technical support, and our online remote monitoring application, Global e-Service. With this extensive set of tools, our dealers give your business the edge in an increasingly competitive industry.
