Caterpillar Inc. and German-based Claas announced July 9 they will form a joint venture company to market and manufacture several models of the Lexion line of combine harvesters.
The combines are designed to meet North American customer requirements and will be distributed under the Caterpillar trademark, the company said in a release.
The Claas range of Lexion combines, introduced two years ago in Europe, incorporates the latest in harvesting technology, including automated machine controls and a patented threshing system, Caterpillar said. During last year’s harvest, the combines underwent extensive field testing in North America.
Claas, based in Harsewinkel, Germany, is Europe’s market leader in combines and forage harvesters. It is also a leading manufacturer of balers, grassland equipment and material handlers, with factories in Germany, France and England. Claas reported 1996 sales of about $1.4 billion.
Caterpillar is the world’s leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, natural gas engines and industrial gas turbines. It is also a leading global manufacturer of diesel engines. Headquartered in Peoria, Illinois, the company posted record sales in 1996 of $22.6 billion.
