Farm and construction equipment maker Escorts plans to set up a joint venture with Tadano to manufacturer rough terrain and truck mounted cranes in Japan.

“The venture with Tadano Group is a step towards catering to the market demand for smarter, safer and bigger mechanized infrastructure solutions in the higher tonnage category,” said Chairman and Managing Director Nikhil Nanda. “Escorts has a strong technology legacy and diversified portfolio in construction equipment market and Tadano has a proven global technology and together we will cater to India and other growing economies.”

Tadano, which is Japan’s largest mobile crane manufacturer, would hold a 51% stake in the venture, with Escorts chipping in with the remaining 49%. The venture would cater to an expanding market in the 20 to 80 tonnage category. Production is expected to commence at Faridabad in Q3/18.

Tadano President and CEO Koichi Tadano said the venture would initially focus on the domestic market and later could look at exporting to other markets.

The rough terrain and truck mounted cranes cater to big construction companies servicing oil refineries, metro rail projects, smart city construction, solar power projects and ports among others.