Hitachi Construction Machinery is establishing a dedicated research and development hub in Europe.
The Landcros Development Center Europe GmbH in Germany will open effective January 1, 2026. The move by the equipment manufacturer marks the first company to be established under the Landcros brand since Hitachi Construction Machinery (HCM) announced in October this year that it is rebranding as Landcros in April 2027.
HCM says the new hub 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, a region at the forefront of environmental regulations and advanced construction technology, Hitachi Construction Machinery says it will rapidly bring next-generation products and solutions to customers worldwide.
Its adds that the European market presents unique 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. Similar to the automotive industry’s electric transition, construction machinery that eliminates Co2 emissions during operation is rapidly gaining traction across the region.
Europe also leads in labour-saving technologies and efficiency-driven construction. European dealers and specialists routinely develop 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, says 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, a joint venture between Kiesel Technology (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. This success culminated in the showcase of nine zero-emission machines under both the KTEG and Hitachi brands at the bauma exhibition, demonstrating the effectiveness of the joint venture’s innovation capabilities.
With the new strategic separation both organizations 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.
HCME says this establishment represents a clear 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 roadmap.
KTEG will concentrate its expertise on developing and marketing specialized application products tailored to European customer needs.
HCM says that the Landcros Development Center Europe will serve as a vital hub in its global development network, working alongside development centres in Japan and India, to begin with. The company will collaborate openly 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,” says Quaranta. “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.”
