Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/103862
NUTS & BOLTS continued from page 23 Wacker Neuson continued from pg. 23 towers opened in 2008) and a light equipment facility in the Philippines, built in 2007. Hans Neunteufel, chairman of Wacker Neuson's supervisory board, speaking at a formal dinner to mark the opening of the facility – one of a series of events held in late September for thousands of dealers, customers and locals – said that "in spite of the difficult economic situation this year we stand by these actions [to build the facility]. It is not normal these days for international companies to invest in Europe. Many are moving to the Far East or South America. We decided against it. It was logical for us to stay in Upper Austria, where we have an excellent team who has made us a worldwide leader in compact equipment. That's why Caterpillar chose us [as its partner for mini excavators]. The cooperation with Cat had a decisive part to play in bringing the plant here – for one thing, in the speed of construction, and also in terms of the size of the plant." "It is the largest industrial investment our group has ever made," said Mr Neunteufel, "It is a flagship facility." the company's chief technical officer, said the decision to build a Chinese factory had been made. "We will certainly have a production facility in China - it's a matter of when, not if." Wacker Neuson is also considering a facility in Latin America. He said that the initial focus for the China plant would be light equipment the company's range includes compaction and concreting equipment - with compact machines (excavators and wheeled loaders) to follow. The planned facility will help Wacker Neuson reduce its reliance on Europe, where 71 percent of its revenues were generated last year. Just 3 per- cent of sales originated in Asia Pacific in 2011. Mr Lehner made his remarks during a press conference in Austria to mark the opening of the new compact equipment factory in Hörsching. G www.khl.com/magazines/constructioneurope/detail/ written by Murray Pollok, Nov 2012 China factory planned Wacker Neuson plans to establish a Chinese manufacturing facility, but has not yet decided when it will build the facility. Martin Lehner, IDA UNIVERSAL January-February 2013 25