Sumitomo (S.H.I.) Construction Co. Ltd. Acquires LBX Co.

The Link Belt brand doesn’t have the name recognition of Caterpillar or John Deere in North America, but that’s not stopping this morning’s buzz around the LBX Co. purchase by Sumitomo Construction Machinery Co.. Sumitomo, a leading manufacturer of hydraulic excavators, has acquired full ownership of LBX Co., headquartered in Louisville, Ky.

LBX was originally formed as part of a global alliance between SCM and Case Corporation, and holds the manufacturing rights to SCM’s excavator products in North and Latin America. LBX has been marketing and selling Sumitomo excavators, forestry, material handling and demolition products under the Link-Belt excavator brand name since the company’s formation.

“This acquisition underscores SCM’s dedication to LBX and the Link-Belt excavator brand, and will contribute greatly to our success and expansion throughout North, South and Central America,” stated Robert Harvell, CEO of LBX Co. “Over the years, our long-term relationship with SCM has been built on a solid foundation of providing superior product quality, innovative designs, and dedicated commitment to our dealer network and customers.”

Moments before the official LBX press release was sent out, Case Construction released its own reporting the sale of its interest in LBX.

“The decision to sell our interest in LBX is a continuation of the strategy we began in 2009 to consolidate back office brand management and streamline our industrial footprint,” said Jim McCullough, CEO and president of CNH Construction.  “This allows CNH to concentrate efforts on our key construction brands and strengthen the foundation for our brands continued growth as we continue to take advantage of market opportunities.”

Only time will tell what this means for the Link-Belt brand in the states.