Kobelco Construction Machinery and The Manitowoc Company have decided not to renew their OEM supply agreement, under which Kobelco supplies Manitowoc-branded lattice-boom crawler crane models with lift capacities under 150 US t (13.6 mt) to the worldwide Manitowoc distribution network, and Manitowoc supplies Kobelco-branded all-terrain crane models for marketing in Japan.

The global alliance began in November 2003 and will end on 9 November 2018, said both companies. Kobelco will continue to support Manitowoc and its customers, and Manitowoc will continue to support Kobelco and its customers, with service parts for a period of 10 years.

“Manitowoc has an outstanding reputation around the world and offered a strong distribution network in regions it serves globally. I can say our partnership was very successful between two highly respected industry players joining forces,” said Kazuhide Naraki, president and CEO of Kobelco.

“I strongly feel that both companies share the same approach – focusing on customers with care and bringing to market reliable products, which have a high standard of quality and safety. We look forward to a new chapter in growing our businesses globally,” added Mr Naraki.

Barry Pennypacker, president and CEO of Manitowoc said, “As a world leader in lattice-boom crawler cranes, Manitowoc provided our customers with a comprehensive line through our alliance with Kobelco. The company has been an excellent partner, providing our customers with a high standard of product quality and reliability. After nearly 15 years, we have agreed to pursue separate ways developing our own products in the smaller capacity cranes to serve our respective customers. With the implementation of The Manitowoc Way, we will continue to deliver new and innovative quality products, on time, ensuring that our customers continue to have the right product offerings.”