Manitou and Yanmar have announced a strategic alliance in which Manitou will sell Yanmar compact excavators under the Gehl and Mustang brands in North America. As part of this move, Manitou has ended its existing agreement with Wacker Neuson which has provided compact excavators and all-wheel steer loaders to Manitou Americas since 1999.

A Yanmar mini excavator

Manitou says that it will continue to provide parts and service support for these products for the foreseeable future.

At the same time Yanmar will launch its own range of skid steer and compact track loaders built by Gehl/Manitou in the USA.

After the completion of the initial product launches the two will look at broader distribution opportunities, aimed at increasing sales, while strengthening each other’s dealer networks. The two companies also stated that: “further opportunities for manufacturing alliances will also be explored to shorten time to market and better utilise existing worldwide manufacturing facilities and expertise.”

A Gehl skid steer loader

Ted Bregar president of Yanmar America said: “There is a strong synergy between our organisations, from our core culture and values to the complimentary fit of our product lines. We believe the market will readily embrace the quality and value that our products have to offer.”

Daniel Miller, chief executive of Manitou Americas added: “Manitou is extremely excited about this alliance and the opportunities it presents for our dealers and customers. Yanmar has been a key supplier and this new relationship only strengthens our long term partnership.”

Manitou and Yanmar already have had a successful long-standing partnership in which Yanmar supplies engines for Gehl and Mustang compact equipment. This programme will continue unchanged.