Case New Holland has announced a long-term strategic partnership with Orkel, the Norwegian manufacturer of fixed-chamber round balers and feed compactors, according to US website farm-equipment.com.

CNH will acquire the intellectual property rights and tooling for Orkel’s fixed-chamber round balers and Orkel will become CNH’s preferred engineering partner for the development of high-performance/heavy-duty new-generation balers.

This alliance brings together CNH’s expertise in tractors, sprayers, combines, forage harvesters and other agricultural equipment with Orkel’s leading technology in high-performance, fixed-chamber round baler products.

“Our partnership with Orkel – a key player in the heavy-duty, fixed-chamber round baler and compactor sector – is a sign of CNH’s intention to strengthen its presence in the hay and forage business. This agreement brings CNH’s product offering in line with market trends and requirements to better meet the evolving needs of our global customers,” said Richard Tobin, president and CEO of CNH.

“We are very excited about the prospect of leveraging our market position for the benefit of our customers in Europe and becoming CNH’s engineering partner in the premium baler segment,” said Jarl Gjonnes, owner and president of Orkel.

Orkel-CNH products will be sold under the Orkel, New Holland Agriculture and Case IH brands through their respective dealer networks.