HCME plants symbolic cherry tree to celebrate 50th anniversary

As part of Hitachi Construction Machinery (Europe) NV’s (HCME) 50th anniversary celebrations, a symbolic cherry tree was planted by Hitachi Construction Machinery (HCM) President Kotaro Hirano, and HCME President Takaharu Ikeda, alongside members of HCME’s Management Board.

Strong luck and good fortune

Cherry trees are symbolic of quality of life, luck and good fortune in Japanese culture. The planting of this tree is therefore a fitting tribute to the people and partners who have helped to build the Hitachi brand in Europe over the last 50 years, as well as being a symbol of growing success for years to come.

This cherry tree joins a line of other commemorative trees planted in the past for major events in HCME’s history. The oldest was planted by Okada-san, HCM’s fourth president, to celebrate HCME’s 25th anniversary. It stands proudly alongside three other trees planted by Ryuichi Seguchi, Shungo Dazia, and Michijiro Kikawa, the fifth, sixth and seventh HCM presidents respectively.

A faithful and prosperous relationship

HCME President Mr Ikeda shared a few words after the ceremony: “Thank you very much for this wonderful tree planting ceremony. I am sure this tree will grow with us as we become the number one reliable solution provider in Europe. We will gather under this tree when it blossoms every spring to have fun, and so in this way it represents our long-term relationship. Let’s get together and enjoy our business together and share in our joint success.”

HCM President Mr Hirano also spoke about the symbolism of the cherry tree: “I am honoured to plant a tree in the grounds of our Amsterdam factory to show my support for sustainability – just as my predecessors have in the past. The planting of a tree is a gesture of optimism and faith in the future. I hope that this tree will flourish as healthily and magnificently as Hitachi has in Europe, but also serve as a reminder of our commitment to a sustainable future.”