The YTO Group Corporation is a Chinese agricultural machinery and construction machinery manufacturer part of Sinomach, a comprehensive machinery conglomerate. Although composed of many subsidiaries and divisions, the company is best known for manufacturing a range of farming products including tractors and combine harvesters. The company was founded in 1955 and become the largest manufacturer of tractors in China.[1] The company also manufactures construction machinery trucks and diesel engines.
History
Prior to using the YTO brand, the tractors and engines were marketed under the brand Dongfanghong (DFH; Chinese: 东方红; pinyin: Dōng Fāng Hóng; lit. 'Red of the East'). In the 1980s and 1990s, Fiat began to assist First Tractor Company with technology for engines and tractors.
In 2005, AGCO announced they were in discussions with First Tractor Company to establish a joint venture to manufacture tractors between 40 and 100 horsepower although the joint venture never materialized.[2][3]
The company has been keen on making a presence in international markets through establishing overseas factories and sales networks. In March 2013, the company scored a large export order from Ethiopia with a $100 million purchase of tractors.[1]
