Yanmar CE makes production changes in Europe

Yanmar Compact Equipment said in December it planned to close its Crailsheim factory in Germany by the end of 2025 and centralise production of wheeled loaders at its facility in Saint-Dizier, France.

The OEM said the move would help it adapt to a “more sustainable rhythm of demand” following the high level of sales in 2021 and 2022.

“This is something the whole industry is managing,” said Jon Lopez, who was appointed president of Yanmar CE in November 2025, “And it’s a healthy process – it helps us build a stronger, more efficient foundation for the future.”

Jon Lopez, president of Yanmar Compact Equipment EMEA. (Image: Yanmar CE)

Lopez described the peak post-pandemic years as a “sugar rush” of demand.

“It’s about preparing for tomorrow,” he added, “We’re aligning with today’s realities while investing in the future – making sure our business stays resilient and ready to scale when demand rises again.”

The 65,000m2 Crailsheim facility was opened in 1978 and was the base for production of wheeled loaders. Saint-Dizier is a 54,000m2 facility which has been operating since 1989, mainly producing excavators.

Significant growth in EMEA

He said the business had a clear strategy for significant growth in the EMEA region; “By optimizing our production resources and evolving our product range, we’re positioning Yanmar CE to set new benchmarks in quality, reliability, and customer experience.

Yanmar CE’s Saint-Dizier facility in France. (Image: Yanmar CE)

“We remain fully committed to our customers and partners throughout Europe, the Middle East, and Africa – continuing to invest and build for the future.”

Lopez said innovation in compact equipment would be driven by safety, connectivity and sustainability, with electrification, telematics and AI being central to its roadmap.

“Everything starts with safety,” he said, “From there, electrification and data-driven technologies will define the next era of innovation.

“Yanmar is investing heavily in these areas because that’s how we create lasting value for our customers.”