Fortschritt buy-out sees Case move east
Fortschritt buy-out sees Case move east
By Andy Collings
CASE has now taken its shopping basket to the east, with the announcement of the acquisition of Fortschritt, and production and distribution rights to Mengele self-propelled forage harvesters and MDW combine harvesters.
It is part of the firms intention to diversify its range and ultimately create a full line for European customers. August 96 saw Case acquire Steyr tractors and, last July Gem Sprayers.
Fortschritt makes hay and forage equipment including forage harvesters, big square balers and windrowers. MDWs combine line-up gives Case a range of conventional combines to accompany its Axial-Flows.
More interestingly perhaps, the agreement with MDW provides Case with access to the new 425hp Arcus combine due to make its European debut at next months Agritechnica show at Hanover. With large rear wheels and a claimed 40t/hour output, the Arcus should create some interest.
Mengeles range of self-propelled forage harvesters has been well presented in the UK through a number of sources. Just how the new agreement with Case will affect marketing arrangements with, for example, Massey Ferguson, is not yet clear.
Case has decided to make Fortschritts manufacturing base in Neustadt, Germany, the centre for European harvesting equipment and will transfer assembly of MDW combines (MDW will supply Case with the components) and production of Mengele self-propelled forage harvesters to Neustadt.
"We are committed to meeting our customers needs with a full line of Case agricultural equipment," says Leopold Plattner, Case Europe president. "These acquisitions will enable us to expand our product offering and market presence throughout Europe, the former Soviet Union, Africa and the Middle East."
The Case shopping basket is clearly not yet full. The companys stated aim of achieving a full product line would suggest there are still a few "shops" to call on. *
Assembly of MDWcombines moves to Neustadt, Germany, which becomes the Case European harvesting equipment centre.