Industry Roundup: Sakai Moves Compactor Production from Japan to U.S.

Sakai has relocated the production of its 54-inch SV204 soil compactor from Japan to its facility in Adairsville, Georgia. This move ensures that all soil compactors sold in North America will now be built domestically, showcasing the company’s dedication to the region. Sakai is also working on sourcing components locally to further support the domestic market.

Brad Belvin, the sales and marketing manager at Sakai America, expressed excitement about the shift, emphasizing the benefits it will bring to customers and dealers in the United States and Canada. Localizing the assembly of the SV204 in Adairsville is expected to improve responsiveness to market needs, optimize logistics, and enhance collaboration with the dealer network to offer better support and inventory availability for soil compaction equipment.

Following President Donald Trump’s tariff increases, other companies like JCB have also made production moves and investments in the U.S. Fabick Cat has opened new locations in Green Bay, Wisconsin, and Fenton, Missouri, offering expanded services and facilities to cater to their customers better.

In other industry news, Waukesha-Pierce Industries has become the latest Trimble Technology Outlet dealer, providing aftermarket grade control technology for Komatsu and Yanmar earthmoving equipment. Ahearn Equipment, a Kubota dealer with locations in New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts, has joined Hyundai Construction Equipment’s North American dealer network to offer Hyundai’s full lineup of construction equipment.

Takeuchi recently announced its 2024 North American Dealer of the Year, 360° Dealer Salesperson of the Year, and Dealer 360° Awards winners at its Dealer Summit in Scottsdale, Arizona. Cowin Equipment was named the 2024 Takeuchi Dealer of the Year, and Scott Syler of Parman Tractor & Equipment received the 360° Dealer Salesperson of the Year award. Various other dealers were also recognized for meeting or exceeding the Dealer 360° standards.