Australia's leading mini loader, Kanga loaders, formerly a division of the Jaden/Kanga Group, has taken a leap forward with its acquisition by Digga Australia Pty Ltd.

Formed in 1981, Digga is 100% Australian owned, and the largest Australian manufacturer and exporter of gearboxes and machinery attachments such as auger drives, trenchers, augers, brooms and wear parts for the earthmoving machinery industry. Digga is one of Australia's largest fully integrated manufacturing facilities for the earthmoving machinery industry with advanced steel processing, CNC machining, robotic welding and fabrication and assembly divisions, to produce a diverse range of high quality products. Immediately integrating Kanga's manufacturing into Digga's state of the art 12,500 sqm (130,000 sq ft) plant in Brisbane has ensured the future of the highly successful loader & attachment range.

The Jaden/Kanga Group Pty Ltd became another victim of the global financial crisis, selling off the Jaden- Winches and Dredges division and Kanga Loaders Division, before going into voluntary administration in late February 2009. The acquisition by Digga has been seen as a strategic move during tough economic times to reduce overheads, boost Digga's purchasing and manufacturing strength and create new opportunities for the Digga dealer network throughout Australia.

With the acquisition of KANGA, key personnel and operations from Kanga's locations, have been transferred to the appropriate departments in Digga's company owned facilities in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne. Kanga's operations in Canberra will remain in place with staff reporting to the Sydney offices. Digga currently employ 145 staff worldwide and the acquisition ensured the jobs of 30 Kanga personnel with a further 15 - 20 new roles, expected to be created in the coming year.

Digga's intention is to, step off from the strong history of Kanga and their leading market position in Australia to grow the product line, through a new dealer network model both locally and worldwide. With a volatile Australian Dollar raising the costs of imported machinery, the locally produced Kanga loader will ensure pricing stability and continued supply from a proven quality manufacturer.

The Kanga acquisition will ensure the highly successful loader line stays fully Australian made, and with the added strength of Digga's manufacturing, engineering and research & development capability, continue to grow and refine the product to maintain its market leadership now and well into the future.

Dedicated service and spares outlets with on-road service, will be expanded throughout Australia with overnight delivery of most spares available throughout Australia. The range of mini-loader attachments, currently available from the Kanga line, will be brought under the Digga Attachments division, providing an extended range to the Digga dealer network.