Hitachi Construction Machinery is establishing its LANDCROS Development Center Europe in Germany. This is the first company to bear the LANDCROS name following the recent trade name transition announcement.
The LANDCROS Development Center Europe will be 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, Hitachi Construction Machinery will bring next-generation products and solutions to customers worldwide.
The European market presents key 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. Construction machinery that eliminates CO2 emissions during operation is gaining traction across the region.
Europe also leads in labour-saving technologies and efficiency-driven construction. European dealers and specialists are developing 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, said 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.”
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 specialised applications for the European market.
With the new strategic separation both organisations 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 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 strategy. Meanwhile, KTEG will concentrate on developing and marketing specialised application products tailored to European needs.
LANDCROS Development Center Europe will serve as a hub in Hitachi Construction Machinery’s global development network, working alongside development centres in Japan and India. The company will collaborate 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, added 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.”
