NEWS
MOVINGON Kolbelco Arm Expands Operations Into Italy
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olbelco Construction Machinery Europe (KCME), a subsidiary of Japanese construction company Kolbelco, has announced it is expanding its business into Italy as part of a greater plan to capitalise on the top European markets. Demand for construction equipment such as mini-excavators and heavy machinery is on the rise in Italy, and the Japanese developer has listed it among its most important markets. The expansion includes the appointment for four new Italian dealers into its network to help supply its machinery across the country. KCME will be enlisting the aid of construction firm Sergio Bassan, a family-led business, which will primarily operate in the north-east of Italy and specialises in the supply of agricultural equipment.
Relocations and expansions across Europe
BSM Brescia Macchine covers an array of areas in northern Italy and specialises in the sale of earth-moving equipment, but also operates a significant spare part and rental fleet. SMIA, which operates on Sardinia, has extensive experience in the construction industry and has worked with various Italian construction players before taking up the offer to work with Kolbelco. The company will be supplying to team with a range of excavators, ranging from minis to heavy machines. Arnus will be operating in the northwestern part of the country and provides a range of new and rental equipment. Marco Ferroni, KCME business manager for Italy, said: “Kobelco’s extensive excavator line-up is ideal for Italy as we cover everything from the smallest minis for residential and infrastructure work, to the largest machines for demolition and construction.
“While mini and midi machines were in demand in the first half of 2020, we believe that the future focus will be on some of these larger machines, led by some of our new and largest dealers.” Makoto Kato, managing director of KCME, said: Italy is one of the biggest countries where we have a passionate Kolbelco fan base. We are delighted to welcome these four new dealers as they provide a gateway for us to enter one of the top five markets in Europe. “Importantly, the appointment of Bassan, SMIA, BSM and Arnus demonstrates our commitment to servicing our new customers in Italy.” Visit: www.kobelco-europe.com
China’s CRBC Awarded Third Roadbuilding Contract In Serbia
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he Serbian government has announced the signing of a €606 million deal with China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) to build a motorway in the north of the country. The 48 km Fruskogorski Corridor will be an important link in the Balkan country’s road infrastructure. It will connect the town of Ruma with Novi Sad - the country’s second-largest city - and will include a bridge over the Danube river and a 3.5 km tunnel beneath the Fruska Gora national park. The road will also be connected to the A1 motorway, which forms the backbone of Serbia’s road network and runs the length of the country connecting the Hungarian and North Macedonian borders. The Fruskogorski Corridor will also form a link for the TransEuropean transport corridors X and IV and create a shortcut between Bosnia and Romania. The road was first proposed by Infrastructure minister and Deputy Prime Minister Zorana Mihajlovic in 2015, with the idea of construction beginning in 2016 if funding could be arranged. It took until August 2020 for funding to finally be secured when Mihajlovic announced that the Export-Import Bank of China had agreed to provide a loan. The contract is the third road-building project in Serbia to be awarded to CRBC, which is a subsidiary of majority state-owned China Communications Construction Company. The company is currently building a €450 million 31 km motorway in central Serbia between the towns of Preljina and Pozega.
26 Industry Europe
