In the latest of what is already shaping up to be a year of interesting deals, France’s Manitou BF, S.A., a manufacturer material handling and compact equipment and Japan’s Yanmar Co., Ltd., a manufacturer of diesel engines and compact equipment, have announced the formation of a strategic alliance.

The two companies have had an existing relationship that included the use of Yanmar diesel engines in Gehl and Mustang branded compact equipment manufactured by Manitou in the United States.

Initially as part of the alliance, Manitou said it will launch a line of compact excavators manufactured by Yanmar, under the Gehl and Mustang brands for the North American Sales Region.

With this announcement, Manitou said it has concluded its distribution relationship with Wacker Neuson which had provided compact excavators and all-wheel steer loaders to Manitou for the Americas region since 2000. Manitou said it will continue to provide service and parts support.

In parallel, Yanmar will launch a range of skid loaders and compact track loaders designed and manufactured in the United States by Manitou’s Compact Equipment Division under the Yanmar brand for distribution in North America.

The announcement said that after the completion of the initial launch by both companies, Manitou and Yanmar will look at “broader distribution opportunities aimed at growing sales activities for both companies while strengthening each company’s independent dealer network.” Further opportunities for manufacturing alliances will also be explored to shorten time to market and better utilize existing worldwide manufacturing facilities and expertise.

“There is a strong synergy between our organizations, from our core culture and values to the complimentary fit of our product lines. We believe the market will readily embrace the quality and value that our products have to offer,” said Ted Bregar, president, Yanmar America.

Daniel Miller, Manitou Americas, Inc., president and CEO said, “Manitou is extremely excited about this enhanced alliance and the opportunities it presents for our dealers and customers. Yanmar has been a key supplier and this new relationship only strengthens this long term partnership.”