Japanese plant manufacturer Komatsu has acquired Lehnhoff Hartstahl, German producer of automatic quick coupler systems for excavator attachments.

The Lehnoff family that owns the Variolock coupler business, headed by company chief executive Peter Lehnhoff, said they decided that selling to Komatsu was the best way to secure the future of the business and its 180 employees.

“To evaluate an early and best possible succession plan for the company and its workforce was very important to my family and me,” said Peter Lehnhoff. “We are very fortunate for this important decision with Komatsu, with whom we have been cooperating excellently for 30 years. We are convinced that Lehnhoff Hartstahl will continue to grow from its location in Baden-Baden and will sustainably access the international markets.”

He added: “This strategic decision will ensure Lehnhoff Hartstahl are best positioned for the future.”

The price was not disclosed.

Sean Heron, managing director of Lehnhoff’s UK distributor Worsley Plant, welcomed the takeover. “We see this as a positive step for the future of Lehnhoff’s products, allowing us to further penetrate the UK market with this market leading technology.”