The relative success of a business may be represented by its annual cycle of growth and development. This is invariably measured in financial and statistical terms for ease of reference by management, investors and other stakeholders.

There is no doubt that the rapid expansion of Hitachi Construction Machinery (Europe) NV (HCME) will be viewed favourably by all concerned. It is also no coincidence that the Japanese construction giant recently announced the opening of a new wing of its existing factory in Amsterdam and the production of its 10,000th machine.

 

The manufacture of Hitachi Zaxis excavators began at HCME's new factory in January 2003. The 5,000th machine was assembled in December 2004 with the 10,000 mark eclipsed on 5 May this year - impressive statistics for such a competitive sector of the construction industry.

The manufacturing process in Amsterdam is gathering pace due to demand from the Hitachi dealer network across Europe. Production is set to increase from 3,500 to 6,000 excavators per annum over the next four years.

The significance of machine number 10,000 was not lost on the dignitaries who were invited to a special ceremony to mark this landmark in HCME's history. It was the first of the new generation of Zaxis-3 models - a ZX210-3 - produced at the company's largest European manufacturing plant.

The occasion also celebrated the opening of the first phase of the expansion programme at HCME. The new 2,200m2 wing to the main factory is symbolic of the progress that Hitachi has made in Europe and of its future investment and confidence in the construction market.

The second phase of HCME's expansion programme will open later this year. A new 19,200m2 development will be linked to the existing main building by a 400m2 corridor. It will house an additional machining centre, paint line for parts and a machine preparation area.

The total sum of investment by HCME will total EURO 20million. The maximum future output at the Amsterdam site will be 23 units per day, giving Hitachi the opportunity to satisfy demand for its expanding range of construction equipment across Europe.