Chinese construction machinery giant SANY Group and Swiss building materials leader Holcim have signed a landmark deal worth SFr100 million (approximately USD 126 million), covering 100 electric machines and 20 autonomous mining trucks — one of the largest electrification commitments in the global mining and construction sector to date.
The Deal: Electric Machines Meet Autonomous Mining
On March 23, 2026, SANY Group and Holcim Group signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) in Guangzhou, China, establishing a five-year procurement framework. The agreement covers two major components:
- 100 units of electric construction machinery to be delivered within three years, replacing diesel-powered equipment across Holcim’s global operations.
- 20 autonomous mining trucks to be deployed across Holcim’s international mining sites within two years, marking a significant step toward fully automated quarry operations.
The deal represents a rare convergence of two megatrends reshaping the construction equipment industry: electrification and autonomous operation. For SANY, it validates the company’s aggressive investment in next-generation electric and autonomous equipment technology. For Holcim, it accelerates the company’s ambitious sustainability targets.
Why This Deal Matters for the Industry
This is not a pilot program or a token order. At USD 126 million over five years, the SANY-Holcim agreement is one of the largest publicly announced electric construction equipment procurement deals in history. It sends a clear signal: the transition from diesel to electric power in heavy construction and mining is moving from concept to commercial-scale deployment.
The autonomous mining truck component is particularly significant. While companies like Caterpillar and Komatsu have deployed autonomous haul trucks in large-scale mining operations for years, SANY’s entry into this space with a major international customer like Holcim represents a competitive escalation from Chinese manufacturers in the high-value autonomous equipment segment.
Chinese Equipment Exports Continue to Surge
The SANY-Holcim deal comes against the backdrop of record-breaking Chinese construction machinery exports. According to the China Construction Machinery Association (CCMA), exports reached USD 10.686 billion in the January-February 2026 period, continuing the strong growth trajectory that has made China the world’s largest exporter of construction equipment.
Chinese manufacturers including SANY, XCMG, Zoomlion, and LiuGong have been steadily gaining market share in markets traditionally dominated by Japanese and Western brands. The combination of competitive pricing, improving quality, and now leadership in electric and autonomous technology is reshaping the global competitive landscape.
Impact on the Used Equipment Market
The accelerating shift toward electric equipment has significant implications for the secondary market. As major fleet operators like Holcim begin replacing diesel machines with electric alternatives, a wave of well-maintained diesel equipment is expected to enter the used market over the coming years.
For buyers in developing markets — particularly in Africa, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia — this trend creates compelling opportunities. High-quality diesel excavators, loaders, and trucks being retired from European and North American fleets will offer excellent value for operations where charging infrastructure is not yet available.
At the same time, early adopters of used electric equipment may find attractive deals as the technology matures and first-generation electric machines begin cycling through to the secondary market.
Looking Ahead: The Electrification Race Intensifies
The SANY-Holcim agreement is likely to trigger a competitive response from other major OEMs. Caterpillar, Komatsu, Volvo CE, and Hitachi are all developing their own electric and autonomous equipment portfolios. The question is no longer whether the industry will electrify, but how fast — and who will lead.
For construction companies and equipment buyers worldwide, the message is clear: the machines of tomorrow are being ordered today.
Prima Excavator helps buyers worldwide source quality used excavators and heavy equipment. As the market evolves with electrification and automation trends, contact our team for expert sourcing guidance tailored to your market and budget.