Hitachi Construction Machinery Americas Inc. (HCMA) celebrated the grand opening of their new U.S. corporate headquarters in Newnan, Georgia, with employees, local dignitaries, business partners and members of the media on June 1, 2018.

The new facility represents a $4 million dollar investment by HCM to HCMA. The initial phase consists of the new headquarters facility at 12,291 sq. ft., a new training facility at 3,600 sq. ft., the training facility offices and administration at 5,084 sq. ft. and a future storage building at 21,421 sq. ft.

This investment represents the foundation to support the anticipated market expansion of Hitachi Wheel Loaders in the North American market. The investment also represents the confidence HCM has in the HCMA organization and the distribution network. Anticipating future growth HCMA anticipates tripling their market share in three next five years.

The celebration featured a ribbon-cutting ceremony, traditional Japanese Sakura Ceremony, Kagami-biraki Ceremony, presentations from visiting guests from Hitachi Construction Machinery (HCM), factory and headquarters tours, and a traditional southern BBQ lunch.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony conducted by Mr. Kotaro Hirano, President, HCM Japan, Mr. Masaaki Hirose, President, HCMA, and Mr. Al Smith, Coweta County Commission Chairman also included two of the longest serving employees, Claude Smith (Newnan Facility) and Ray Guerra (Kennesaw headquarters).

The Sakura Ceremony, the planting of the cherry tree, representing a living legacy and testament to the new business, in anticipation of growth and strength, is particularly appropriate as it has only been since January 1, 2018 that HCMA commenced business following a three year transition from KCMA Corporation. The Sakura Ceremony was conducted by Mr. Kotaro Hirano, President, HCM Japan, Mr. John Michalewicz, Senior Manager – Manufacturing, HCMA and Mr. Al Smith, Coweta County Commission Chairman.

The Kagami-biraki Ceremony, concluded the ceremonies with Mr. Kotaro Hirano, President, HCM Japan, and Mr. John Michalewicz, HCMA Senior Manager – Manufacturing, HCMA, breaking open the sake barrel, and two of the longest serving employees, Jami Wall (Newnan facility) and Sue Smith (Kennesaw headquarters) serving the sake. Mr. Hirano toasted the attendees earning a standing ovation from all 140 employees, and local dignitaries. Following a traditional southern BBQ lunch, Mr. Masaaki Hirose, President, HCMA, made the closing remarks reiterating HCMA’s appreciation of the support from HCM, and the bright future ahead of Hitachi Wheel Loaders in North America.

“A new beginning of a long tradition of value, service and dedication. The introduction of the Hitachi branded loaders and the new HCMA Headquarters exhibits the Hitachi commitment to the foundation of our business, our customers, our dealers, and our employees,” stated David Agan, VP – Corporate.

The HCMA team is focused on wheel loaders, and only wheel loaders. Backed by the global strength of Hitachi, HCMA is poised to make a major impact on the wheel loader market in North America. For more information please visit www.hitachicm.us.