HCME upgrades parts depot to meet “growing demand”

Photo: HCME

Hitachi Construction Machinery Europe (HCME) has upgraded its European parts depot in the Netherlands as it aims to meet “growing demand” from dealers and customers in Europe.

The company said the Oosterhout depot, which opened in 2010 to support the mining and construction sectors, required upgrades after significant growth in the last decade.

It said the number of spare parts held at the depot had increased from 68,800 in 2015 to approximately 80,000 in 2024.

With the upgrade, carried out by global contract logistics company Neovia, HCME said that it now has 110,000 locations to store items (up from 73,000).

The remodelling, which has taken two years to complete, has increased storage capacity with more dedicated bins and racks for certain parts, while an improved picking process means “additional space for larger, more expensive parts to be stored securely.”

According to HCME, much of the extra capacity will focus on large components required for mining machines as well as hoses and piping.

Hans Lam, manager parts logistics at HCME, said, “The European mining market is currently booming and driving the increased demand for parts that we are experiencing. We are proud to reopen the new warehouse on 27 June, and unveil it to our colleagues, and the senior leadership team at HCME, as well as Michael Fahy (CEO of Neovia), and Miguel Mazarias (Neovia senior vice president EAME and APAC).

“During the modernisation process, we maintained a high level of service to both dealers and customers, ensuring the consistent and reliable parts supply they would expect from HCME. And now we have a state-of-the-art fulfilment centre, that will continue to meet their needs in the years to come.”