Kobelco Construction Machinery U.S.A. held a grand opening celebration of its 157,000 sq. ft. North American excavator production facility in Spartanburg, S.C., on June 2. The concept behind the plant is “Clean and Flexible,” and that a clean plant will produce high quality products. The plant will be capable of producing 1,800 units per year, including the SK210LC and 350LC excavators in 2016 and SK170LC, 260LC, 300LC and 500LC excavators in 2017 to 2018

Kobelco made a powerful return to the United States with several investments to regain a significant share of the excavator market. The company has a strong dealer network that is still growing and the company has expanded its product line with a few new models. In addition, it has enhanced its sales, service and training capabilities and moved has moved into a new headquarters and parts distribution warehouse in Katy, Texas.

The opening of its new manufacturing facility here in South Carolina transforms Kobelco USA into a company with integrated production and sales — all on United States soil. It enables the company to reduce the production lead-time of machinery and improve its ability to meet market needs, while creating jobs for the skilled American workforce, and fortifies its dedication to the North American market.