Background and objectives
Amid growing demand for housing due to global population growth, the expected increase in construction work as a result of infrastructure investment and urban development, and the rising labor shortage at construction sites, demand for construction machinery is expected to remain robust to improve work efficiency and achieve human power saving.
Kubota manufactures and sells compact construction machinery designed for construction work in urban areas, and maintains the leading worldwide market share for its core product line of mini excavators*2 in the sub-6-ton class*3.
2. Hydraulic excavators under 6 tons are referred to as mini excavators.
3. Source: Off-Highway Research 2024
- Meanwhile, various sizes of construction machinery are in use at construction sites in line with the nature and scale of the In Europe in particular, there is growing demand—even among users of Kubota’s mini excavators—for machines larger than the 8-ton class, which is the largest model that Kubota currently manufactures and sells.
- To this end, Kubota has engaged in discussions and reached this agreement with Sumitomo Construction Machinery, which manufactures and sells hydraulic excavators larger than those in the Kubota lineup and is well-regarded in the market for their fuel efficiency and superior manoeuvrability, regarding the OEM supply of 14-ton short tail swing*4 hydraulic excavators.
Excavators with a compact body, ideal for use at construction sites with limited space
- With this expansion of the product lineup, Kubota aims to further solidify its standing as a comprehensive manufacturer of compact construction machinery in the European market. Sales are scheduled to begin in spring 2026.
- Kubota and Sumitomo Construction Machinery will continue exploring the specifics of supplying products on an OEM basis to further leverage each other’s strengths to better cater to customer
