Additional developments from ConExpo-Con/Agg

While a number of manufacturers utilized ConExpo-Con/Agg to show off new equipment, several took the opportunity to celebrate revamped brands and business plans.

Among the companies that offered such updates was Hitachi Construction Machinery Americas (HCMA), whose CEO noted during a press conference that the company’s sales in 2022 were nearly 10 times higher than they were the year before.

“This is just the start,” says Al Quinn, CEO of HCMA. “Our plans for ‘23 are to double the volumes we have seen in 2022. We are well on track. We have the orders, we have the dealer network.”

As Quinn describes, Hitachi is a “powerhouse” globally but it lost visibility in the Americas in recent years. He, however, says HCMA is on a quest to build the Hitachi brand back in the region.

Looking ahead, Quinn says HCMA aims to be a “top three manufacturer of construction machinery by 2028.”

“We expect to continue to be the leader in giving customers what they want on our excavators and loaders,” he says.

Building a new brand

Case Construction Equipment representatives also discussed their new direction, offering details during a press conference as ConExpo-Con/Agg opened.

In addition to rolling out 35 new equipment models and inserting itself into three new product categories, Case Construction Equipment’s Terry Dolan shared what “the new Case” looks like.

“We will lead the charge,” Dolan says. “We will own the future of innovation. We will put the business owner and the operator first. We will become a manufacturer that others are chasing after. And we will continue to listen to our customers.”

New in drills

Drilling technology – not a rebrand – was a focus for Sandvik at ConExpo-Con/Agg. Specifically, Sandvik unveiled innovation in surface drilling while showcasing its latest in stationary crushing and screening, parts and services.

Sandvik launched the Ranger DX910i top hammer surface drill rig along with new tools. The DX910i on display at ConExpo-Con/Agg is equipped with the new RD930C rock drill, which expands the DX910i’s hole size range beyond existing DXi rock drill options.

In rock tools, Sandvik showcased the Tundo RH650 down-the-hole hammer and Alpha 340 top hammer drilling tools, which feature a new asymmetric thread. Sandvik’s LT90 top hammer drilling tools were highlighted, as well.

Tracking technology

Separately, Command Alkon debuted a customer portal solution that producers can utilize.

According to Command Alkon, orders can be placed directly to dispatch from a phone or tablet. Users gain insights about when a truck leaves a plant and its whereabouts throughout the delivery process.

“Customer portal enables your customers to track, manage and track their orders 24 hours a day while dramatically reducing unnecessary phone calls,” says Ranjeev Teelock, chief product officer at Command Alkon. “Customers gain real-time visibility into their orders and deliveries through a cloud-based mobile application, helping you to help your customers.”