The History of CASE Construction

Inventor Jerome Increase Case founded Case in Racine in 1842 to build threshing machines. Later, the company gained global recognition as the first builder of steam engines for agricultural use, eventually becoming the world's largest maker of steam engines.

By 1912, Case had established itself in the construction equipment industry as a manufacturer of road-building equipment, such as steam rollers and road graders. The company built its construction equipment business through several acquisitions, starting with American Tractor Corporation in 1957. By the mid-1990s, Case had expanded to become the world's leading manufacturer of light- to medium-sized construction equipment.

The Company’s growth was founded on quality products, innovative engineering and value for money. In 1957 CASE expanded its construction equipment operations and introduced the first complete loader/backhoe package available from a single manufacturer, thus pioneering the worldwide loader/backhoe leadership.

Subsequent years have seen the introduction of wheel loaders (1967), skid steer loaders (1969), excavators (1971) and the development of the full line capability on offer today. The product range now encompasses skid steer loaders, backhoes, excavators, wheel loaders, self propelled vibratory rollers, articulated dump trucks, crawler dozers, trenchers, horizontal directional drills and mini excavators launched at the end of 2003 - plus a full range of agricultural equipment.

At the beginning of 2002, CNH Global, the manufacturer of CASE construction equipment, formed a global alliance with Kobe Steel Ltd, and Kobelco Construction Machinery Co Ltd. This alliance offers the best-in-class product, economies of scale and manufacturing efficiencies to be competitive in todays market.

The famous eagle trademark - patterned after Old Abe, a magnificent bald eagle which was the American Civil War mascot for Company C in the 8th Wisconsin Regiment, which was adopted in 1894 and remained for 75 years – has again been adopted as the company’s heritage symbol, some things never change. The company's determination to build high quality products and provide industry leadership remains.

When you visit the Victoria dealerships Dandenong premise you may even find Old Abe sitting atop a globe of the world

Milestones

1957 - Case purchased Indiana-based American Tractor Corporation, a small, privately held firm that was developing a hydraulically powered backhoe to attach to its crawler units. At the same time, Case was developing a prototype industrial-wheel tractor designed to accommodate a backhoe on the rear and a loader on the front. By spring of 1957, Case successfully merged the technologies and introduced the landmark Case Model 320, the industry's first factory-integrated tractor loader/backhoe.

Also in 1957, Case began offering "in-house" financing solutions to its customers through Case Credit. Case Credit, which today is a division of CNH Capital, provides financial services to customers purchasing, leasing and insuring equipment through established dealer networks located primarily in North America, Australia and Europe.

1969 - Case purchased the rights to produce multi-purpose skid steer loaders. Production began in Burlington, Iowa, but moved to Wichita, Kansas, in the 1980s.

1982 - Case celebrated the 25th anniversary of the first factory-integrated tractor loader/backhoe with the introduction of the 580D.

1988 - Case loader/backhoes were listed by Fortune magazine among the "100 Products America Makes Best."

1992 - Case celebrated its sesquicentennial year and dedicated its new operations building at the company's headquarters in Racine, Wisconsin.

1994 - Case made its initial public offering and introduced its new brand identity.

Also in 1994, Case signed a contract with Sumitomo Heavy Industries of Japan to make excavators for the North American Market.

1995 - Case initiated co-branding and supply agreements with several key suppliers, including Alitec Corporation, a leading manufacturer of power attachments; FFC, a major manufacturer of application attachments; and JRB Company, Inc., a manufacturer of high-quality quick couplers and attachments.

In the spring of 1997, Case introduced its XT skid steers, the most powerful lineup on the market, with industry-leading lift, breakout force and hydraulic attachment capabilities.

1998 - Case expanded its supply agreement with Sumitomo to offer excavator solutions to customers worldwide.

Also in 1998, Case became the first manufacturer to offer ride control on loader/backhoes, as well as the first to offer ride control on skid steers.

1999 - Case merged with New Holland to become part of CNH Global, which markets several of the world's leading brands of construction and agricultural equipment.

1999 - Case introduced a broad line-up of new products, including its C Series wheel loaders and 9007B excavator.

Case celebrated production of a half million loader/backhoes, more than any other brand.

In 2000, Case also manufactured the 100,000th skid steer in its popular 1800 Series line.

2001 - Case introduced its new H Series crawler dozers, featuring the Case-exclusive PowerTurn, redesigned transmissions and components engineered to withstand extreme wear and tear.