Kobelco USA has built its reputation on excavators that deliver strength, precision, and reliability in some of the toughest environments. The company’s global brand is anchored in heavy equipment innovation, but just outside of Houston, Kobelco is demonstrating that its investment goes beyond the machines themselves.
Set on 15 acres in Hockley, Texas, the $6.5 million facility is equal parts training ground, demonstration center, and gathering place for customers and dealers. The Kobelco Ranch is an environment where operators test machines, dealers expand their product knowledge, and long-term partnerships are strengthened.
The Ranch features a 10,000-square-foot indoor training and collaboration area paired with a sprawling outdoor demo space. Together, these facilities allow contractors and customers to see Kobelco’s full lineup in real-world conditions. “It’s one thing to read about a machine’s specs,” said Dan Collins, Kobelco Product Development & Marketing Director. “It’s another to sit in the cab, push dirt, and compare it head-to-head with competitors.”
That hands-on element is central to The Ranch’s mission. Each week, groups of dealers and customers rotate through immersive programs. A typical visit begins with an introduction at Kobelco’s Katy, TX headquarters before transitioning to The Ranch. Participants move from classroom-style presentations into live walkarounds, then out to the field to operate the machines themselves. Safety briefings are followed by open seat time, allowing participants to dig, move material, and run the equipment at their own pace.
The Ranch experience doesn’t stop with technical training. Evenings often include dinners, grilling sessions, and time spent with Kobelco executives who make it a priority to attend. That personal touch underscores the company’s commitment to relationships as much as performance. “When people get into this industry, they never get out because it’s so fantastic,” said Collins. “Here, you really see the heart of our company. How many places do you have the vice president or senior leaders coming out every week to sit down with dealers and customers? That’s what makes this place special.”
That culture of connection is one of The Ranch’s defining features. While many manufacturers host training or demo events, Kobelco’s smaller size allows for a more personal approach. “It’s so much more than knowing how a machine is built. It’s about building partnerships with our dealer network,” said Karan Caraballo, National HR Manager. “Helping them grow their business, in turn, helps strengthen the communities they serve.”
Logistically, The Ranch fills a practical need as well. Kobelco’s excavators can be massive, and assembling them requires significant space, often involving eight trucks just to move and build a single unit. The Ranch provides that space while also doubling as a sales tool. For many customers, getting off the job site and into a dedicated training and demo environment helps seal decisions on new machines.
At its core, The Ranch is more than a facility. It is a statement that reflects Kolbelco’s philosophy: innovative equipment and genuine human connection go hand in hand. By investing in a space where contractors can operate, dealers can learn, and communities can connect, Kobelco has created a hub that strengthens both its business and its industry. It’s exciting to see firsthand and the Manufacturing express is proud to celebrate Kobelco’s success.
