LUGANO, Switzerland – (March 8, 2011) – CNH, a global leader in the agricultural and construction equipment businesses, today announced a long term strategic partnership with Orkel AS, the Norwegian market leader in high performance fixed chamber round balers, compactors and tractor trailers.

CNH’s partnership with Orkel will involve several key collaboration areas to further reinforce CNH’s leadership in the agricultural business. CNH will acquire intellectual property rights and tooling for Orkel’s fixed chamber round balers (FCRB) and Orkel will become CNH’s preferred engineering partner for the development of high performance/heavy duty new generation of FCRBs.

This alliance brings together CNH’s expertise in tractors, sprayers, combines, forage harvesters and other agricultural equipment of all classes and power ranges 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 & 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.