IN BRIEF (Page 9)

Hitachi may build China plant

Hitachi Construction Machinery Co, the world's biggest manufacturer of giant excavators, may build its first key components plant in China. The move is part of a drive to obtain more of its parts from Asia, excluding Japan, to counter a stronger yen.

The company may raise the proportion of overseas-made components and materials to two-thirds from 50 percent, Chief Executive Officer Michijiro Kikawa said in an interview.