More info on Link-Belt Cranes In 1986, the Link-Belt Construction Equipment Company was formed as a joint venture between FMC Corporation and Sumitomo Heavy Industries, formalizing a relationship dating back to 1962. A 1998 reorganization to focus on cranes resulted in spinning off the joint venture's excavator product line. The LBX Company, a stand-alone, joint-venture company was formed between Sumitomo Construction Machinery Co. and Case Corp. to market and sell Link-Belt excavators. Products & Press Releases