Canadian distributor Wajax Corp. (TRX: WJX), announced that it will expand its current Canadian direct distribution relationship with Hitachi Construction Machinery Loaders America Inc., effective March 1.

The expanded distribution relationship now includes construction excavators, mining equipment and related aftermarket parts. Prior to the re-tooled agreement, those products were supplied to Wajax via a third-party joint venture partner to Hitachi Construction Machinery (HCM.)

It was announced by HCM and its partner that the joint venture would be dissolved, with an expected dissolution date of February 28.

The expansion of the direct relationship between Wajax and Hitachi is expected to strengthen the competitive positioning of both companies in the Canadian construction and mining markets.

“Hitachi is Wajax’s largest manufacturing business partner and a very important contributor to our strategy,” said Wajax President and CEO Mark Foote. “We are very pleased that our direct relationship will be significantly strengthened. Working directly with our partners at Hitachi will provide Wajax with enhanced access to product development and improved market responsiveness. We look forward to building on this already strong partnership in the core markets of construction and mining, as well as in additional areas in the future.”