Yanmar Compact Equipment Celebrates Production of 300,000th Mini Excavator at Chikugo Plant

Chikugo, Japan (April 16, 2025) – Yanmar Compact Equipment Co. has reached a major production milestone, celebrating the manufacture of its 300,000th mini excavator at its Chikugo Plant in Fukuoka Prefecture.

The plant, which has served as Yanmar’s primary manufacturing hub since 2004, produced the landmark machine earlier this year. The company credited the achievement to decades of innovation and close collaboration with its dealer partners and equipment operators.

Yanmar’s history with compact construction machinery dates back to 1968 with the launch of the YNB300, a wheeled mini excavator that laid the foundation for its construction equipment business. The machine responded to increasing demand for small-scale equipment amid growing urbanization.

Between 1973 and 1980, the company focused on developing compact construction machinery such as mini excavators and mini wheel loaders, which were well received in the market.

Yanmar advanced its construction equipment line in the 1990s, most notably with the 1993 introduction of the ViO series. Featuring a ‘zero tail swing’ design, the machines could rotate without rear overhang, opening up a new market segment. In 1998, the company debuted the Sigma series, addressing the limitations of ultra-compact equipment with further technological advancements. Both product lines remain influential in today’s market.

Originally a division within Yanmar Group, Yanmar Compact Equipment was established as a standalone company in 2004. The success of the ViO and Sigma series helped secure Yanmar’s foothold in the global compact equipment industry.

The 300,000-unit milestone reflects more than just production volume. It reflects the dedication and efforts of Yanmar Compact Equipment employees, who have consistently prioritized listening to customers, taking a hands-on approach, and building trust. The accomplishment was made possible through strong partnerships with regional dealers and feedback from equipment operators around the world.

“We’re proud of what we’ve achieved together with our partners and the communities we serve,” said Ryu Kudo CEO of Yanmar Compact Equipment Japan region. “This milestone reflects the strength of those relationships and the value of close collaboration. We’re especially grateful to the many operators who have relied on our mini excavators and whose feedback has played a key role in driving our continuous improvement.”

Yanmar Compact Equipment continues to drive innovation under its “Building With You” brand tagline. In response to a rapidly evolving business environment, the company is investing in new product development, business model transformation, and expanded aftermarket support. Yanmar’s long-term goal is to become a value-driven company and help build “a sustainable future” alongside its stakeholders.

About Yanmar Compact Equipment

Yanmar Compact Equipment (Yanmar CE) is a global leader in the design, manufacture and support of compact equipment for a range of segments, principally construction and other earthmoving applications. Its products include extensive ranges of mini and midi excavators, wheel loaders, wheeled excavators, compact track loaders and tracked carriers. These are supported by a wide range of services designed to ensure customer success. A global company with proud Japanese heritage, Yanmar CE has manufacturing facilities in Asia, Europe and North America – and an extensive international dealer network. Renowned for its innovative approach – it was the first to market with the now-benchmark mini-excavator and is credited with popularizing the zero-tail swing concept – Yanmar CE remains a trusted brand known for its reliability, performance and commitment to customer satisfaction. These traits are demonstrated through the company’s tagline – ‘Building with you’.

For more details, please visit the official website. https://www.yanmar.com/global/construction/

About Yanmar

With beginnings in Osaka, Japan, in 1912, Yanmar was the first ever to succeed in making a compact diesel engine of a practical size in 1933. A pioneer in diesel engine technology, Yanmar is a global innovator in a wide range of industrial equipment, from small and large engines, agricultural machinery and facilities, construction equipment, energy systems, marine, to machine tools, and components — Yanmar’s global business operations span seven domains. On land, at sea, and in the city, Yanmar provides advanced solutions to the challenges customers face, towards realizing A Sustainable Future. For more details, please visit the official website of Yanmar Holdings Co., Ltd.

https://www.yanmar.com/global/about/