Manitou Group, a world leader in material handling and compact equipment, and Yanmar Co., a global manufacturer of diesel engines and a broad range of compact equipment, have formed a strategic alliance to launch a line of compact excavators manufactured by Yanmar under the Gehl and Mustang brands for the North American sales region. The two companies have had a successful long-standing partnership including the use of Yanmar engines in Gehl- and Mustang-branded compacted equipment manufactured by Manitou in the United States.

With this announcement Manitou has concluded its distribution relationship with Wacker Neuson, which has provided compact excavators and all-wheel steer loaders to Manitou for the Americas region since 1999. Manitou said it is committed to providing continued service and parts support to its dealers and customers.

Also, Yanmar will launch a range of skid-steer loaders and compact track loaders designed and manufactured in the United States by Manitou’s compact equipment division under the Yanmar brand for distribution in North America. After the completion of the initial launch by the companies, they will look at broader distribution opportunities aimed at growing sales activities for both companies while strengthening each company’s independent dealer network. The companies will explore further opportunities for manufacturing alliances to shorten time to market and better utilize existing worldwide manufacturing facilities and expertise.

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

Yanmar America Corp. is based in Adairsville, Ga. Manitou Americas is headquartered in West Bend, Wis.