McCormick buys St Dizier factory
McCormick buys St Dizier factory
TRACTOR manufacturer McCormick has announced its acquisition of the St Dizier transmission factory based 200km south-east of Paris. The plant, which is also the headquarters of McCormick France, produces all driveline assemblies used in McCormick tractors.
Managing director Roger Purdy believes the acquisition to be an important step in the establishment of McCormick.
"It means we now have our own engineering and production resources and the control of design, quality and volume," he says. "St Dizier also provides an important base for operations in France, as well as parts and support activities for the whole of continental Europe."
The acquisition of St Dizier from CNH includes all rights to the MX transmissions built there – manual and four-speed powershift designs for use in the companys 53hp – 102hp CX and 84hp – 102hp MC tractors. Heavy-duty versions of the semi-powershift transmission will be used in 120hp – 180hp models due to be announced later this year.
• In the 1950s the St Dizier plant was the site for the assembly of McCormick tractors. Engines and complete drivelines were manufactured for agricultural and construction equipment. Tractor production ceased in 1990 and the plant concentrated on the production of transmissions supplied to Case plants in Germany, UK and North America.n