Tadano set to acquire IHI’s material handling crane division
Tadano is set to acquire IHI Transport Machinery Co., the crane and material handling subsidiary of IHI Corporation, excluding IHI’s crawler crane and excavator business, which was sold to Kato eight years ago.
Established in 1973, IHI Transport Machinery’s product lineup includes port and yard handling cranes, large climbing luffing jib tower cranes for high-rise construction, port ship-to-shore cranes, offshore cranes, wind power cranes, floating cranes, and bulk handling systems. Last year, the division reported ¥73.4 billion ($476.8 million) in sales, with an operating profit of ¥2.8 billion ($18.1 million) and net assets totaling ¥19.1 billion ($124 million). While the sale price remains undisclosed due to confidentiality agreements, IHI stated it was determined through a fair process and reflects the business’s value. The transaction is expected to close in July 2025.
IHI Corporation, established as Ishikawajima Shipyard in 1853, built its first crane in 1911 and later merged to form Ishikawajima-Harima Heavy Industries in 1960, eventually rebranding to IHI Corporation in 2007. This sale aligns with IHI’s strategic focus on its aerospace, defense, and space businesses.
Historically, IHI produced mini and mid-size crawler cranes and had a partnership with Terex/Demag for the Americas until Tadano acquired Terex/Demag in 2019. The crawler crane business, which included excavators, was sold to Kato in 2016.
Tadano stated, “This acquisition brings valuable expertise to our business, building on IHI’s achievements and enabling synergies with our German-based crawler crane division. It supports our Mid-Term Management Plan to expand our equipment portfolio and strengthen our position in the global lifting market.”
Tadano CEO Toshiaki Ujiie added, “We are excited to integrate tower and port cranes into our offerings, which will enhance customer relationships and serve their lifting needs better. This acquisition also complements our offshore wind power equipment capabilities and aligns with our commitment to delivering greater value to our customers and stakeholders.”
The move represents Tadano’s third acquisition this year, following the purchases of Nagano and Manitex. As Tadano continues to integrate recent acquisitions, this addition will support its strategic growth in Japan and globally in the crane industry.
