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Company Origins and Growth
The company MECALAC was founded in 1974 in Annecy‑le‑Vieux, France, initially under the name “Mécanique du Lac”. From the beginning the firm focused on compact, multifunctional construction machines tailored for urban job sites. Within a decade it had expanded internationally and diversified its product range. By 2002 the company acquired the German loader manufacturer Ahlmann, which later became part of MECALAC’s loader business. In June 2025 the French group Fayat Group completed the acquisition of MECALAC, signalling integration into a broader equipment‑manufacturing ecosystem. The company today boasts manufacturing facilities in France, Germany, Turkey and the UK, and a network of over 200 authorised dealers globally.
Product Range: Excavators and Loaders
MECALAC offers a wide spectrum of machines under two major categories:
Excavators:
MECALAC distinguishes itself by a number of engineering and design traits:
While MECALAC historically had a stronger foothold in Europe, the brand has been expanding its presence in North America and other international markets. For instance, in 2017 the company ramped up its U.S. distribution network, introducing models like the MCR series to the North American market. The acquisition by Fayat further strengthens MECALAC’s potential for global scale and resource access. According to available data from 2023, MECALAC employed approximately 1,200 people and achieved revenue around €350 million.
Typical Usage Applications
MECALAC machines are found in:
In a renovation project in an old downtown district of a European city, a contractor selected a MECALAC AS 750 swing loader. Working between narrow alleys and buildings, the rotating boom allowed the operator to load debris into a skip without repositioning the machine. Meanwhile, a MECALAC 8 MCR in the same fleet handled both digging trenches and back‑filling in the cramped site—doing the work of a loader and excavator. After six months the rental company noted that machine utilisation was over 90% and downtime minimal, attributing performance to the multifunctional concept. This kind of on‑site versatility has helped MECALAC gain traction in rental and urban construction sectors.
Recommendations for Buyers and Users
MECALAC stands out in the construction equipment industry by offering machines engineered for space‑limited worksites, high versatility and operational adaptability. From excavators and swing loaders to multifunctional tool‑carriers and electric machines, the brand has carved a niche. With its 1974 founding and recent integration into the Fayat Group, MECALAC is poised for further global growth. Users and fleet managers seeking compact, flexible and innovative machinery should take serious note of MECALAC’s offerings.
The company MECALAC was founded in 1974 in Annecy‑le‑Vieux, France, initially under the name “Mécanique du Lac”. From the beginning the firm focused on compact, multifunctional construction machines tailored for urban job sites. Within a decade it had expanded internationally and diversified its product range. By 2002 the company acquired the German loader manufacturer Ahlmann, which later became part of MECALAC’s loader business. In June 2025 the French group Fayat Group completed the acquisition of MECALAC, signalling integration into a broader equipment‑manufacturing ecosystem. The company today boasts manufacturing facilities in France, Germany, Turkey and the UK, and a network of over 200 authorised dealers globally.
Product Range: Excavators and Loaders
MECALAC offers a wide spectrum of machines under two major categories:
Excavators:
- Wheel excavators and wheel excavator‑loaders (e.g., 7 MWR, 9 MWR, 11 MWR, 15 MWR)
- Crawler/track excavators (e.g., 15 MC)
- Skid‑crawler machines (e.g., 6 MCR, 8 MCR, 10 MCR)
- Multifunctional loaders (e.g., MCL2, MCL4+, MCL6)
- Swing loaders (e.g., AS600, AS750, AS1000) with a rotating boom concept for tight urban sites
- Telescopic loaders and articulated loaders (e.g., AT900, AX700)
- Zero‑emission versions (e.g., e12 excavator, eS1000 loader) as part of the brand’s push into electric machines.
MECALAC distinguishes itself by a number of engineering and design traits:
- Machines built specifically for urban or restricted‑space construction sites, where compact dimensions and manoeuvrability are critical.
- Swing‑loader concept: loaders with a rotating boom allowing material handling in narrow or confined zones.
- Multifunctional excavators/skid‑crawler hybrids (the MCR‑series) capable of performing multiple roles (excavator, loader, telehandler) with a rotating boom and tool‑carrier versatility.
- A strong move toward electric and zero‑emission models, aligning with industry trends in sustainability.
While MECALAC historically had a stronger foothold in Europe, the brand has been expanding its presence in North America and other international markets. For instance, in 2017 the company ramped up its U.S. distribution network, introducing models like the MCR series to the North American market. The acquisition by Fayat further strengthens MECALAC’s potential for global scale and resource access. According to available data from 2023, MECALAC employed approximately 1,200 people and achieved revenue around €350 million.
Typical Usage Applications
MECALAC machines are found in:
- Urban construction and infrastructure: street‑works, underground utilities, city‑centre refurbishments.
- Landscaping and site development where compactness and manoeuvring matter.
- Specialized sectors: rail‑road excavators, zero‑emission projects, multi‑functional rental fleets.
In a renovation project in an old downtown district of a European city, a contractor selected a MECALAC AS 750 swing loader. Working between narrow alleys and buildings, the rotating boom allowed the operator to load debris into a skip without repositioning the machine. Meanwhile, a MECALAC 8 MCR in the same fleet handled both digging trenches and back‑filling in the cramped site—doing the work of a loader and excavator. After six months the rental company noted that machine utilisation was over 90% and downtime minimal, attributing performance to the multifunctional concept. This kind of on‑site versatility has helped MECALAC gain traction in rental and urban construction sectors.
Recommendations for Buyers and Users
- When choosing a MECALAC machine, match the model to the operational profile: for tight urban sites the swing‑loader or multifunctional excavator may deliver more value than conventional machines.
- Consider service and dealer support: though MECALAC has global network, ensure parts availability in your region.
- For rental fleets, highlight machine versatility and low‑footprint – these are major selling points for MECALAC machines.
- For sustainability‑oriented operations, explore MECALAC’s zero‑emission models and electric versions to future‑proof your fleet.
- Keep an eye on residual‐value: as MECALAC expands globally and leverages Fayat’s resources, used equipment values may strengthen.
- Swing Loader: a loader with a boom that can rotate (often 180°) allowing material handling both sides of the machine.
- Multifunctional Excavator/Tool Carrier: a machine that integrates excavator, loader and telehandler functions, often via quick‑change attachments.
- Zero‑Emission Machine: equipment that operates without tailpipe emissions, typically battery‑electric or hybrid.
- Urban Construction Equipment: machines designed for narrow job‑sites, restricted space, minimal disturbance and high manoeuvrability.
- Footprint: ground‑space or manoeuvring clearance required by the machine on a job‑site.
MECALAC stands out in the construction equipment industry by offering machines engineered for space‑limited worksites, high versatility and operational adaptability. From excavators and swing loaders to multifunctional tool‑carriers and electric machines, the brand has carved a niche. With its 1974 founding and recent integration into the Fayat Group, MECALAC is poised for further global growth. Users and fleet managers seeking compact, flexible and innovative machinery should take serious note of MECALAC’s offerings.
