Manitou Group has announced auto parts producer and distributor Chaneme has joined its GEHL brand dealer network, and will service Lima, Peru and Colombia as part of a strategic expansion into Latin America.

The GEHL brand has 250 dealerships across 65 countries.

As well as sites in Peru and Lima, Chaneme will operate from four sales locations in Colombia - Medellin, Cali, Barranquilla, and Bogota.

Manitou says the strategic expansion in Latin America has been designed to improve product availability for clients.

The GEHL brand portfolio includes telehandlers, articulated and skid loaders and backhoe loaders.

Manitou says of the expansion of the GEHL brand: “Strategic acquisitions, notably in India in 2016, and recent investments in its two US-based production sites, have augmented the manufacturing capacities for these product lines, thereby fostering the brand's development”.

“In Latin America, GEHL is experiencing significant expansion, marked by the addition of six new dealerships in Brazil, Mexico, and Panama, which commenced operations in 2024.” 

Marcelo Bracco, managing director of Latin America at Manitou Group, adds: “This strategic expansion of our dealership network is a testament to our resolve to provide high-quality equipment, supported by a comprehensive service offering”. 

“We are particularly enthusiastic about introducing Stage V compliant products in Colombia, notably our skid loaders and backhoe loaders, to address the specific needs of this burgeoning market.”

Manitou says the expansion of GEHL in to Latin America aligns with its strategy to “to fortify its position in key markets and ensure optimal proximity to its clientele”.

“GEHL's growth will persist in the coming months with the integration of new distributors in other geographical areas,” the company adds.