CEA takes over Ditch Witch and Komptech

CEA has announced the acquisition of underground construction and waste management equipment specialist, ELB Equipment, which is expected to be finalised in 90 days.

The takeover means CEA will become the Australian distributor for the Ditch Witch brand of machinery which includes directional drills, excavators and skid steer loaders; as well as the Komptech range of waste recycling shredders.

Other brands that will be added to CEA’s portfolio include Diamond Z, Screenpod and TrackStack; adding high speed grinders, stacking conveyers and modular wind sifters to CEA’s product offerings for clients operating in the infrastructure construction, utility maintenance, waste management and recycling sectors.

CEA is currently the exclusive distributor of JCB construction and agricultural machinery; Dynapac compaction and paving equipment; and Atlas Copco generators, portable air compressors and lighting towers.

CEA CEO, Hylton Taylor, said ELB is a natural fit for the CEA business.

“We see this as a great opportunity to further expand our product portfolio and build on our already strong suite of brands we represent in the marketplace today,” he said.

“Operating for almost 40 years, our business understands the market requirements, and how best to meet the evolving demands of our customer base.

“Ditch Witch’s range of directional drilling machines and excavators is renowned throughout the world and we are extremely pleased to be adding them to our offering to clients, while the waste recycling business is a growth industry and Komptech occupies a unique position in that sector.”

ELB Equipment, formerly Mole Engineering, was set up in Australia and New Zealand in the 1950’s when it became the world’s first authorised distributor of genuine Ditch Witch equipment. In 2009, ELB Equipment expanded its product range taking on the distributorship of the Komptech brand in Australia and New Zealand and entered the waste recycling industry.

ELB Equipment Managing Director, Christopher Malan, said the company is excited to expand its products’ footprints across Australia and New Zealand with the available support and resources CEA offers.

“This is a great opportunity for our highly skilled staff who are passionate about the business to grow and evolve and join a business with a very strong and positive culture driven by its highly professional leadership team,” he said.

CEA said it will continue to provide the same high level of service ELB customers have come to expect throughout the transition period.

ELB’s operations will now be based out of CEA’s new multi-million-dollar purpose-built facility in Sydney.