True industrial power doesn't just happen; it is forged over generations. The story of KATO Compact Excavator Sales (CES) is a unique narrative of two distinct legacies—a historic Japanese engineering powerhouse and a dedicated American family business—converging to create an unstoppable force in the compact construction equipment industry.

    The roots of the machinery stretch all the way back to 1895 in Japan, with the founding of KATO Iron Works. Long before the modern construction landscape existed, KATO was already shaping it. By the 1930s, they had reorganized as KATO Works Ltd., manufacturing the heavy-duty engines, tractors, road rollers, and cranes that would build the future. For decades, they relentlessly advanced their production lines, perfecting the art of Japanese manufacturing and engineering durable, uncompromising steel.

    Halfway across the world, another legacy was taking shape. In 1994, Mike and Markie Smith founded Compact Excavator Sales, LLC. They didn't have a century of manufacturing behind them, but they had something equally important: an absolute, unwavering commitment to customer service and integrity. Operating as a family-owned business, they built a sterling reputation supplying the rental industry and the demanding oil & gas sector with top-tier excavators, skid steers, track loaders, and concrete buggies. They understood that providing the highest-quality equipment meant nothing if it wasn't backed by unparalleled, personalized support.

    These two worlds officially collided in a powerful way. After CES formed a highly successful distribution partnership with IHI Construction Machinery in 2002, the landscape shifted again in 2016 when the historic KATO Works acquired the IHI compact equipment line. It was the perfect marriage of industry giants: legendary, century-old Japanese manufacturing paired flawlessly with customized, boots-on-the-ground U.S. distribution and support.

    Today, having crossed the milestone of its 30th year in operation in 2024, KATO CES remains firmly family-owned and operated. Mike, Markie, and their extensive dealer network continue to operate with the exact same mission they started with in 1994: to provide the finest equipment available and keep it running smoothly and safely. When a contractor gets behind the controls of a KATO machine, they are wielding over 125 years of Japanese engineering, completely backed by three decades of fiercely dedicated family service.

 

Year Founded: 1895

Main Products: Mini Excavator, Battery, Excavators, Loaders, Full Size Excavators, Crawler Carriers, Concrete Buggy, Brush Cutter

Brand: KATO

Country of Origin: Japan

Facebook Account: N/A

Website: http://katoces.com/

Address: 400 Production Ct, Elizabethtown, KY 42701, United States

Contact No.: +12707371447

Email: https://katoces.com/contact/