Construction Industry & Mining

With a comprehensive range of new and used construction and mining equipment from the global market leader Caterpillar and one of the most powerful service organizations for these products, SBU Construction Industry & Mining offers comprehensive and sustainable solutions for construction, industry, and raw material extraction. As one of the leading suppliers in its sales territories, the SBU has a portfolio of more than 200 machine types from the global market leader Caterpillar.

The product and service range covers a wide spectrum of applications – from earthmoving, civil engineering, and road construction to raw material extraction in mines and quarries, both above and below ground, to demolition and recycling. The portfolio is complemented by machines for gardening and landscaping, agriculture and forestry, and industrial applications. Specialized machines for the oil and gas industry, as well as forklifts in selected areas, complete the range.

A key driver of sustainable development is the consistent expansion of a digital EcoSystem that intelligently networks machines, ensuring smooth interaction between fleet management, condition monitoring, and predictive machine maintenance. In conjunction with integrated and intelligent machine control, processes can be controlled productively and precisely.
A powerful and dense network of branches and fast spare parts supply via central logistics locations ensure high availability, short response times, and reliable support throughout the entire machine life cycle. In addition, the general overhaul of construction and mining machinery offers an economical and resource-saving alternative to purchasing new equipment.

The SBU is represented in a total of 16 countries in Northern, Central, and Eastern Europe as well as in Central Asia, providing customers with comprehensive consulting and service expertise across national borders.

The focus is on a partnership-based relationship with customers throughout the entire project and machine life cycle. Zeppelin consistently puts the needs of its customers first. They receive a comprehensive, worry-free package that goes far beyond the machines themselves – from modular services to individual and tailor-made financing concepts. This creates maximum flexibility and planning security.

Review

In fiscal year 2025, which was characterized by a challenging market environment, the focus was on growth and further development of the organization with the aim of further expanding competitiveness and market presence as a leading sales and service partner for construction machinery. The newly added sales and service areas in the Netherlands and Norway open up further growth prospects for the SBU.

A key event of the year was the world's largest trade fair for construction machinery: bauma 2025. Zeppelin and Caterpillar jointly presented a powerful portfolio of machines, technologies, and services. The focus was particularly on digital solutions, alternative drive concepts, and practical applications for increasing efficiency on the construction site. The bauma trade fair, which was once again very successful for Zeppelin, developed into an important platform for customer contacts and business deals, confirming its high relevance for market presence.

A key focus in 2025 was on offering customers solutions and digital tools to increase efficient and sustainable operations. Significant progress was made in the area of digitalization. Assistance systems, networked machines, and data-based services for condition monitoring, maintenance planning, and deployment optimization were further developed and more closely integrated into everyday operations. The aim was to increase machine availability, reduce downtime, and offer customers additional transparency and planning reliability. A particular focus was placed on further developing connected construction machines and placing service on an even broader footing. The introduction of the digital EcoSystem set the course for Caterpillar's entry into the digital world. This includes, for example, the VisionLink fleet management solution. This is linked to increasingly close networking of telematics data, which is used to order spare parts via the online shop parts.cat.com. However, it also includes integration into the technical documentation available to customers, which is intended to make maintenance and planning easier for them. The next step was a pioneering one: with prioritized service events, Zeppelin took the servicing of construction machinery and thus proactive and transparent communication with customers via error codes to a new level. This will ensure that customers are informed in good time about potential problems with their machines and that these always run in optimal condition, provided that a quick and targeted response is made.

At the same time, Zeppelin specifically expanded its remote services division. With over 2,000 successful remote flash and remote troubleshooting assignments in 2025, the SBU underscored its leading role in the service business. Remote Flash updates the integrated software of the machines remotely at a suitable time, while Remote Troubleshooting enables rapid fault diagnosis without the need for on-site intervention. This saves time and money by eliminating the need for service technicians to travel to the site, enables shorter response times, reduces downtime, and makes a measurable contribution to customer productivity.

In 2025, Zeppelin made targeted investments in the expansion and modernization of its service and sales infrastructure. With the start of construction of the new logistics distribution center in Cologne, Zeppelin is setting the course for the future of centralized spare parts supply. The latest standard in warehouse technology will be used, including a high-bay warehouse and a small parts warehouse as AutoStore – an automated storage and picking system. The new logistics distribution center with its state-of-the-art technology is the largest single investment in the history of the Zeppelin Group. In the past fiscal year, measures to further qualify employees were intensified, particularly in the areas of new technologies, alternative drive systems, and digital applications.

Overall, the 2025 fiscal year was marked by a consistent focus on the future for Zeppelin. The combination of technical innovation, sustainable solutions, and a strong service orientation created important conditions for reliably supporting customers even in a changing market environment and remaining successful in the long term.

In international business, the focus in 2025 was on the further integration of the newly acquired companies, including those in the Netherlands and Norway, and on the further development of the organization. This included, among other things, the qualification of sales and service organizations and the expansion of digital services. The integration of additional data sources and service information further enhanced the VisionLink portal and made it more transparent and usable for customers. In the Nordic countries of Sweden, Norway, and Denmark, the SBU provided targeted impetus in the areas of service, digitalization, and customer loyalty – including the expansion of service and spare parts offerings, digital initiatives such as the online spare parts portal parts.cat.com, and customer and operator events to strengthen market proximity.

Outlook

After several challenging years, a cautious economic recovery is emerging. In Germany, the announced infrastructure package and planned expansion and modernization measures for transport and energy networks in particular point to rising investment activity. Positive signals are also expected in most other European markets. At the same time, geopolitical crises, trade conflicts, volatile commodity prices, and high energy costs remain factors of uncertainty that continue to shape the market environment.

Against this backdrop, the SBU is focusing on further strengthening its operational performance and making targeted use of market opportunities as they arise. In Germany, the focus is on high service availability and a consistent focus on customer needs. The expansion of digital services and data-based solutions is also intended to help create added value for customers and strengthen long-term customer relationships.

For international business, further steps to strengthen customer loyalty, digitalization, and operational efficiency will be the focus in 2026, including the rollout of the new ERP system NAXT in the Nordic countries. Against the backdrop of a continuing challenging market environment, digital applications are to be further developed and consistently used, in particular via parts.cat.com and VisionLink. At the same time, the focus is on expanding proactive spare parts sales and utilizing Group-wide platforms and service tools. The measures are aligned with the Group's overarching goals, including in the area of Cat Interact. This is an AI assistant presented by Caterpillar at the CES trade show that enables voice-controlled adjustment of functions in the cab of construction machines, connects users with the relevant Caterpillar apps and websites, and supports them in their daily work – for example, by providing tips on predictive driving, error avoidance, task prioritization, machine condition monitoring, and support with spare parts procurement and maintenance planning.

In addition, the focus is on further expanding service and rebuild capacities and investing in digital, data-based services. The aim is to provide customers with even more targeted support throughout the entire life cycle of their machines and to strengthen their operational performance in the long term.

In sales, the focus is on targeted market development and product initiatives. These include continuing demonstration tours for material handling machines, further developing the medium-sized wheel loader and road-rail excavator segment, holding technology workshops, and specifically targeting the agricultural sector.

Successful orders

In the bauma year 2025, the Construction Industry & Mining strategic business unit won numerous major projects, providing important impetus for business development in its core markets and internationally.

Zeppelin recorded a significant order success with Manfred Hoffmann Baumaschinen Industrieservice Verwaltungs GmbH. The customer expanded its machine fleet with 130 Caterpillar machines, including around 45 wheel loaders, 30 track-type tractors, and over 20 crawler excavators, supplemented by other machine types for various applications.

Zeppelin supplied Schimanski GmbH with 32 new-generation Caterpillar delta loaders, which are used in the construction of solar parks. The powerful machine technology contributes to the efficient implementation of projects in the field of renewable energies.

Significant order successes were also recorded in international business. In the Czech Republic, Zeppelin delivered a total of 30 Caterpillar machines to customers in the construction, recycling, and raw materials industries during the reporting year. Projects included deliveries to ESPIMA, STRABAG, and Kámen Zbraslav.

In the Slovak Republic, Zeppelin implemented a special application in scrap handling at one of the country's largest steelworks. A Cat 988XE and two Cat MH3050s were used, with an order volume of around 2.0 million euros.

Zeppelin Poland supplied public sector clients and provided machines for use by the fire department. In Ukraine, several projects were implemented despite challenging conditions, including the delivery of specialized construction machinery and the implementation of energy projects with Caterpillar combined heat and power plants with a total electrical output of over 8 megawatts.

Zeppelin Armenia achieved a milestone with the commissioning of one of the country's largest mining projects. An extensive machine package with a total volume of around 100 million euros is being delivered for the Lydian/Amulsar project – the largest order in the company's history. In Central Asia, Zeppelin also secured supply contracts for mining, including for gold mines in Tajikistan.

Product innovations

In 2025, Zeppelin Construction Industry & Mining expanded its product and service portfolio in line with key customer requirements in the areas of efficiency, sustainability, and digitalization.

Ten new telescopic handler models for agricultural and industrial applications were introduced with the Zeppelin telehandlers. They cover lifting heights from 6 to 17 meters and load capacities of up to 4.5 tons and include a battery-electric version for emission-free indoor use as well as compact models for low clearance heights.

In material handling, Zeppelin expanded its portfolio with the Caterpillar MH3032 and MH3295 models. With over ten models and more than 50 equipment variants, the range offers solutions for a wide variety of applications, particularly in port and scrap handling.

The product range was supplemented by the Cat 775 Kinetic, the first model in a new generation of dump trucks with a payload of 70 tons. A newly developed, particularly lightweight frame enables a higher payload while increasing efficiency. The vehicle is designed for future autonomous applications and equipped with modern assistance and safety systems. At the same time, autonomous and battery-electric solutions for use in open-pit mining were further developed in the Nordic countries, and initial applications for autonomous systems in underground mining were prepared.

Digitalization has also been further advanced. The number of Caterpillar machines that perform remote-controlled loading, grading, and excavation work is growing. Step by step, work is being done to enable additional construction machines to be controlled remotely from a safe distance. In 2025, the world's largest construction equipment manufacturer announced that Cat Command is also available for medium-sized wheel loaders. This opens up new applications for the technology. In 2025, a Caterpillar 395 crawler excavator with Cat Command was used for the first time in conjunction with a portable control console in demolition work – a first for Germany. Caterpillar and Zeppelin gave an impressive demonstration at bauma of how remote technology works in practice: using Cat Command remote control, around 23,000 tons of material were moved in a quarry in Kirchberg-Zwingelhausen – around 270 kilometers away – directly from the Munich trade fair.

At the same time, Caterpillar continued to develop its digital EcoSystem: a single login for all Caterpillar solutions such as VisionLink and parts.cat.com facilitates maintenance, spare parts management, and fleet control; around 40 percent of customer fleets are already digitally connected.

In international business, the focus was on efficiency, portfolio expansion, and safety. In the Czech Republic and the Slovak Republic, service and spare parts processes were further developed through direct shipment services, optimized delivery of service vehicles, and measures to reduce inventory. Zeppelin Poland strengthened its intralogistics offering by adding the CLARK, Noblelift, and SOCMA brands, thereby offering a wide range of material handling and special-purpose machines; service for Hyster material handling equipment continues.

In Ukraine, new SEM brand models were introduced and modern Caterpillar machines with assistance systems were delivered. In addition, Zeppelin implemented projects for efficient energy supply with Caterpillar cogeneration plants. Zeppelin Armenia expanded its portfolio in material handling and agriculture with HELI industrial trucks, Antonio Carraro tractors, and Solano harvesters. In Central Asia, the focus was on safety and service innovation: In Tajikistan, visual warning systems and initial SOS tests were successfully implemented, while Zeppelin Uzbekistan began selling services and service contracts in 2025.

Events and Awards

The year 2025 was marked by special events and milestones for Construction Industry & Mining. In the anniversary year "100 Years of Caterpillar," the SBU made a strong impression with special editions of construction equipment in the color "Centennial Gray," trade fair highlights, and the "The Next 100 Years" campaign. bauma 2025 became the most successful trade fair in the company's history, with the highest number of orders received, over 600,000 visitors, and more than 50 exhibits on display. The fall trade fairs, such as NordBau, RecyclingAKTIV & TiefbauLIVE (RATL), and Agritechnica, also recorded record results and confirmed the high demand for modern, networked machine technology.

Other highlights included the 30th anniversary of the Zeppelin Fahrerclub, the relaunch of the zeppelin-cat.de website, the groundbreaking ceremony for the new LOG25 logistics distribution center, the Group's largest single investment in real estate, and the 50th anniversary celebrations in Hanau and Oberhausen. In addition, Construction Industry & Mining set new standards in proactive customer service with automated, data-based service communications.

Important successes were also achieved in international business in 2025. Zeppelin Czechia set European standards in the areas of digitalization and service excellence, including a leading online activation rate in the spare parts business and high performance in remote services. In Norway, the SOS Oil Lab was successfully recertified by Caterpillar; at the same time, the company received ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certifications. In Denmark, successfully completed audits confirmed the high quality of processes and services: Zeppelin Construction Denmark received ISO 50001 certification.

In Ukraine, the introduction of the Magni brand opened up a new business area in the field of telescopic handlers; at the same time, close cooperation with universities was further expanded to provide practical training for technical specialists.

Zeppelin Armenia celebrated its 20th anniversary and recorded strong growth, particularly in the SEM business. In Uzbekistan, the first Zeppelin TechChallenge provided new impetus for promoting young talent; the company also achieved record sales of construction machinery and introduced new machine types to the market for the first time. In Tajikistan and Turkmenistan, market entries, anniversary sales, and the early achievement of key service and spare parts targets underscored the growing market position in Central Asia.