Mannhein, Germany-based MWM GmbH reported that it had changed its name, as of November 1, to Caterpillar Energy Solutions GmbH. The change, according to the company, affects only the legal entity and not its MWM brand. The renaming, said the company, underscores MWM’s relationship to Caterpillar, the largest manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines and diesel-electric locomotives. MWM, founded in 1871, became part of Caterpillar two years ago.
Over the past two years, said MWM, Caterpillar turned the Mannheim location into its global Gas Center of Excellence, modernizing its machinery and facilities and hiring new skilled employees in the process.
The renamed company will pursue a two-brand strategy: The yellow Cat gensets will continue to be distributed through the worldwide Cat dealer network, and the blue MWM units will continue to be sold in the market directly and via the existing MWM international distributor network.
These two sales channels are supported by a service division that handles maintenance of the gensets and provides customers with OEM parts.
“Engines made in Mannheim are regarded worldwide as being very reliable and efficient products for decentralized energy production. That is why the MWM brand added benefits to the Caterpillar product portfolio,” said Willy Schumacher, CEO of MWM GmbH.
“The name change underscores the fact that the integration of MWM involves a strategic commitment by Caterpillar, which is geared for long-term success,” he added.
“Over decades, MWM has developed unique expert knowledge in the development of highly efficient engines. This legacy of [MWM founder] Carl Benz has found a worthy new home at our global company. As part of Caterpillar, we believe there is a bright future in store for the Mannheim company,” said Caterpillar Vice President Bill Rohner.
