John Deere and Kramer join forces in 'strategic partnership'

John Deere announced today (Thursday, July 6) that it has invested in German machinery manufacturer Kramer-Werke GmbH to create a “long-term alliance“.

Both firms have agreed, subject to antitrust approval, to provide material-handling equipment solutions for distribution through John Deere’s dealer network under the Kramer trademark.

In a statement from the multi-national company, John Deere has lauded the deal – noting that the strategic partnership will allow the machinery giant to offer its dealers a broad range of agricultural material-handling solutions with a particular emphasis on forage, hay and arable production systems, in addition to contractor solutions.

Included in the agreed range of products are telescopic wheel loaders (four models), telehandlers (nine models) and compact wheel loaders (nine models), manufactured by Kramer at its headquarters in Pfullendorf, Germany.

Through this arrangement, the preferred distribution partner for Kramer will be John Deere’s dealer network.

Seen as a mutually-beneficial move, the partnership will enable Kramer to use the ‘Deere’ dealer channel in Europe, North Africa, the CIS (Russian Commonwealth) and the Near and Middle East regions of Asia.

Markwart von Pentz, Deere & Company’s agriculture and turf division president, commented on the alliance, stating: “The partnership with Kramer, one of the leading manufacturers of compact wheel loaders and telehandlers, has an important strategic impact to our business.

“It enables John Deere to expand the current product range and to provide a premium and comprehensive portfolio of material-handling solutions to John Deere’s agricultural dealers in Region 2 [Europe, North Africa and the Near and Middle East].

“Kramer follows the same standards as John Deere to deliver advanced technology and outstanding quality to the customer.”

Cem Peksaglam, Wacker Neuson SE’s (parent group of Kramer-Werke) CEO, also spoke about the partnership, noting: “With John Deere as a world leader in the agricultural machinery business, we will gain a strong preferred partner to foster our expansion plans in the agricultural business.

This win-win partnership enables Kramer to strengthen its market position. Thanks to the additional business we will grow faster, especially in markets where John Deere holds strong positions.