Lovat and Kawasaki Heavy Industries Form Strategic AllianceLovat has agreed with Kawasaki Heavy Industries to combine resources and experience to form a worldwide collaboration agreement to provide tunnelling contractors a formidable solution for their tunnelling equipment needs. The combined resources, expertise and experience of Lovat and Kawasaki total more than 80 years of TBM innovation and manufacturing excellence. The two companies believe that this long history of service will provide their clients a quality product meeting all of their requirements.The joining of resources will focus on slurry TBMs (from 3 m diameter and more) and large diameter TBMs (greater than 10 m). Further sectors of the market will be added as required to meet the demands of their clients. Both organizations will continue to operate separately for most projects but will come together to offer TBMs for the above-mentioned market sectors.In addition to the joint manufacturing of equipment, the partnership will also result in a transfer of technologies and experience between the two companies and an increased ability to market TBM equipment and manage relationships with their clients. The lead partner for each project will be dependent on client needs, project specifications and market location. Contractors, consultants and other requests should continue to contact their local Lovat and Kawasaki representatives or head offices. For more information, visit www.lovat.com and www.khi.co.jp 16/06.