RPG's Gambit: CAMSO Construction Challenges European Market Leaders

PARIS, FRANCE – April 20, 2026 – The European compact construction equipment market, a fiercely competitive and rapidly growing sector, is bracing for a new heavyweight contender. CAMSO Construction today announced its official market launch across France, Italy, Spain, and Portugal. This move represents far more than a simple expansion; it is the first major strategic play by its new owner, the $5.2 billion Indian conglomerate RPG Group, which acquired the business from Michelin in a landmark deal finalized in September 2025.

The announcement signals the start of a calculated, multi-phase European expansion, leveraging the established CAMSO brand and product lines now supercharged by RPG's significant financial backing and ambitious global growth strategy. By entering these key southern European nations, CAMSO is firing a starting pistol in a race to capture a significant share of a market driven by performance, reliability, and uptime.

A New Era Forged by Acquisition

This market entry is the culmination of a strategic acquisition that reshaped a segment of the off-highway mobility industry. In September 2025, RPG Group's tire flagship, CEAT Limited, completed the acquisition of Michelin's compact construction tires and tracks business. The deal, valued at approximately $171 million, included the global rights to the respected Camso brand and two manufacturing facilities in Sri Lanka.

For Michelin, the divestment was part of its “Michelin in Motion 2030” strategy, allowing it to focus on higher-value radial tire technologies. For RPG Group, it was a transformative opportunity. The acquisition provides CEAT with immediate access to a high-margin product portfolio, an established network of over 40 global OEMs, and a crucial entry point into the lucrative North American and European markets. This move is a cornerstone of RPG Group's broader vision to double its market capitalization in the coming years by investing heavily in core growth sectors like manufacturing and infrastructure.

CAMSO Construction is now positioned as a key vehicle for this ambition. With an independent global leadership team, inherited in-house engineering expertise, and proven manufacturing capabilities, the company is not starting from scratch but rather launching a new offensive from a well-fortified position.

Targeting a Booming European Market

CAMSO's timing is impeccable. The European construction equipment market, valued at over USD 43 billion in 2024, is projected to surge to nearly USD 72 billion by 2032. This growth is fueled by a confluence of powerful drivers. Massive infrastructure projects, spurred by initiatives like the EU's Recovery and Resilience Facility, are creating sustained demand. Simultaneously, accelerating urbanization and residential construction, particularly in dense European cities, place a premium on the compact and versatile equipment that CAMSO serves.

The initial target markets—France, Italy, Spain, and Portugal—are at the heart of this boom. France's “France 2030” plan is channeling billions into urban renewal and infrastructure modernization. Spain, a major recipient of EU recovery funds, is witnessing a significant rebound in its construction sector. By establishing a strong presence here, CAMSO is positioning itself to capitalize on regional growth while building a scalable foundation for future expansion across the continent.

“We are entering the markets with a clear intent, to build a business that delivers real, measurable value on the ground,” said Amit Tolani, Director of CAMSO Construction, in a statement. “With CAMSO Construction's existing mindshare and proven product quality, we are confident that our products and services are here to meet and exceed customer demands.”

The Hyperlocal Playbook

While backed by a global giant, CAMSO’s strategy on the ground is decidedly local. The company is deliberately avoiding a one-size-fits-all approach, instead emphasizing the creation of a “strong hyperlocal operational foundation.” This involves building teams of local experts who understand the unique demands and operational realities of their specific markets, from the vineyards of Bordeaux to the urban construction sites of Milan.

This customer-centric model extends beyond sales. CAMSO is placing a heavy emphasis on robust after-sales support, responsive service, and improved warranty terms. In an industry where equipment downtime can cost thousands per day, this focus on reliability and partnership is a calculated move to differentiate itself from competitors and build long-term loyalty.

Steffen Sahl, Director of Sales for Europe, underscored this approach. “Each of these markets has its own dynamics, and success here comes down to how well you understand local needs,” Sahl noted. “We've built our approach around that, the right product fit, supported by a team that is close to the customer, experts in their domain and quick to respond.”

Built on a Foundation of Technology

Underpinning this strategic market entry is a portfolio of high-performance products designed to withstand the harshest job site conditions. CAMSO has long been recognized for its durable and application-specific tires and tracks for a wide range of compact equipment, including mini-excavators, skid steers, and compact wheel loaders.

The company’s competitive edge is rooted in proprietary technologies developed to maximize uptime and reduce operating costs. Its Single-Cure Technology for rubber tracks, for instance, eliminates the weak points found in jointed tracks, significantly extending their operational life. Other innovations, like the 3S External Iron Core that prevents detracking on mini-excavators and Smart Track Technology designed to manage heat buildup, demonstrate a deep engineering focus on solving real-world customer problems.

As CAMSO Construction plants its flag in Europe, it brings not just the financial might of RPG Group but also a legacy of proven off-road mobility solutions. The challenge now lies in execution—translating this powerful combination of global backing, local focus, and technological prowess into tangible market share. For construction professionals and equipment dealers across Europe, the arrival of this reinvigorated player promises to introduce a new level of competition and choice.