CNH Global NV acquires ownership of Indian jv

1595 CNH Global NV, a global player in the agricultural and construction equipment business, has acquired full ownership of L&T–Case Equipment, an unconsolidated joint venture established in 1999 with Larsen & Toubro (L&T) to manufacture and sell construction and building equipment in India.

The new wholly-owned company, which employs more than 600 people; operates a production facility in Pithampur, Madhya Pradesh state, and a distribution network of 56 dealers and 144 outlets, will be named Case New Holland Construction Equipment India.

With this investment, CNH says it confirms its commitment to a strong manufacturing base for its construction equipment business at the Pithampur plant.

In addition, the company plans to continue to invest in its 176 Case construction equipment product offering and strengthen the sales network to meet the needs of construction businesses in the important local and export markets.

The Pithampur facility currently builds backhoe loaders and vibratory compactors, and is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities.

"This is an important step in our long term commitment to consolidate our construction equipment business in India and in other export markets and to develop a manufacturing base in India fully integrated in the CNH worldwide industrial footprint. The Pithampur plant will be in a position to make the most of the opportunities for growth that the sector offers today and in the future," said Harold Boyanovsky, president and CEO CNH Global NV.