The idea of a common standard for automatic couplers for excavators continues to gain followers internationally. In 2024 a number of companies have joined the Open-S Alliance, the independent organization that develops and promotes the Open-S standard. Wacker Neuson, a leading equipment manufacturer, joined the organization in April, and now four more companies are welcomed as new members: Construction Equipment Group AS from Norway, Craig Manufacturing from Canada, Daedong Engineering from South Korea, and Pacific JCB from the United States.

Construction Equipment Group (CEG) operates four leading brands: EMA (Earth Moving Attachment), Gjerstad, Vera Tank and Foss-Eik. CEG’s operations extend both locally and internationally across Norway, Denmark, Finland and Sweden with deliveries also to Europe, Asia, Australia and the USA. Each brand represents professionalism and high-quality solutions in its field, from excavator accessories and advanced agricultural trailers to tank solutions. CEG joins the Open-S Alliance as an Associate member.

“Construction Equipment Group supports the initiative to create an open standard that offers our customers greater flexibility, while we manufacturers standardize dimensions and tolerances on equipment to ensure the best safety and quality for our customers. Alliance members will gain advantages by following technical specifications that improve quality and give our dealers greater assurance in selecting equipment from various suppliers without encountering difficulties”, says Tor Kjetilson Moe, Group CEO, Construction Equipment Group AS.

The first two North American companies to join the Open-S Alliance
Since its foundation in 1946, Craig Manufacturing have grown into a leading manufacturer of heavy equipment attachments. Craig is known for innovative, premium-quality, reliable custom manufactured solutions for construction, forestry, mining, and agricultural industries. Craig joins the Open-S Alliance as an Associate member.

“At Craig, we are focused on working with our partners to unlock the production potential of their machines. As the demand for increased productivity and improved sustainability grows, we believe the right attachment is key to achieving both goals. The Open-S standard provides manufacturers and users with a shared platform that offers the flexibility needed to maximize both production and sustainability in any application”, says Ben Craig, President Craig Attachments. “We believe the Open-S standard allows machine owners and contractors the freedom to choose the right tools, which is crucial for the future success of our industry. By promoting this shared platform, users can select from a variety of couplers, tiltrotators, and attachments without compromising safety. This freedom of choice benefits manufacturers, dealers, and end users alike.”

Also joining from the North American market is Pacific JCB, a Forklift Services of America Company, and a JCB Construction Equipment and Steelwrist dealer in Seattle, WA, and Portland, OR, which offers machine sales, rentals, parts and service. Pacific JCB joins the Open-S Alliance as a Supporting member.

The Open-S standard spreading to Asia
Daedong Engineering is a Korean company focusing in vibro- and vibro isolating technologies, specializing in innovative excavator attachments. With 30 years of technological advancement, Daedong holds numerous patents and exports to 45 countries. Their products, like the DPD Pile Driver and Vibro Ripper, are known for their durability and efficiency. Daedong’s commitment to continuous development has made them a dominant force in the global market. Daedong joins the Open-S Alliance as an Associate member, and as the first Asian company.

“We seek to join the Open-S organization to collaborate with industry leaders in fully automatic quick couplers. This partnership strengthens our commitment to innovation and enhances Daedong’s ability to deliver advanced solutions and value to our global customers”, says Jeongyel Park, CEO Daegong Engineering.

The work to create the Open-S Standard was started in 2019 with the purpose to create a common open, manufacturer-independent, global standard for automatic quick couplers. The Open-S Alliance strives to give machine owners and contractors the freedom to combine couplers, tiltrotators and work tools from different manufacturers following the Open-S standard. Since Open-S was formally created in October 2020 the number of members has steadily grown and with the four companies now joining there are today 13 members, both major OEMs as well as attachments manufacturers.

“We warmly welcome the new members who will further strengthen the work to establish an open industry standard for automatic couplers. We believe that this common foundation will encourage innovation and a healthy competition”, says Anders Jonsson, Chairman of the Board of Open-S Alliance.

 

For more information contact:

Anders Jonsson, Chairman of the Board of Open-S Alliance AB
anders.jonsson@opens.org, +46 70 590 09 49

Stefan Stockhaus, Board member of Open-S Alliance AB
stefan.stockhaus@opens.org, +46 70 998 13 21

 

About Open-S
Open-S – the open industry standard for automatic quick couplers for excavators. The purpose of Open-S is to provide global interchangeability between quick couplers, tiltrotators and work tools from different manufacturers. Open-S Alliance is an independent organization with the sole purpose of developing and promoting the Open-S standard. Read more at www.opens.org