Popular dealer, Shellplant, has just surpassed the 5000 sales mark for its range of Kubota mini-excavators.
Based in Northamptonshire, the company has been partnered with Kubota for some 25 years. It celebrated its 1000th sale in 2011 and has since seen the demand for Kubota mini-excavators rise rapidly.
“We are delighted to reach this considerable Kubota milestone. We thought it fitting to mark our achievement in a positive way, and that is why we will be donating £5000 to charity,” explained Julian Payne - Partner Shellplant.
“The nominated charity is the local Riding for Disabled Group based in Mears Ashby. Their vision is to enrich the lives of disabled people through horses and their aim is to support an extra 10,000 people by 2025 so the money is much needed.”
Reflecting on the successful 25-year partnership, Julian continued:
“I remember the initial meeting where we agreed to sell 30 units a year. Now we surpass 500 annually, which is fantastic. I do think the rise in popularity around mini-excavators at the turn of the millennium has played a major role in these numbers, alongside the reliability and popularity of Kubota’s machines.”
The milestone 5000th sale was a Kubota U56-5, which was purchased by Charlie Morson of CM Services Agricultural and Groundwork Ltd, also based in Northamptonshire.
Julian also remembers the very first Kubota sold, back in 1997, which was a K008 micro excavator purchased by Stable Hire of Rushden Northamptonshire - they liked it so much they bought another identical machine a month later.
Since becoming a Kubota dealer Shellplant has won many orders, from single acquisitions up to an 110 excavators purchased at one time. Customers typically range from local groundworkers to national hirers and blue-chip companies.
“Kubota has certainly been, and continues to be, a great partner to work with. Kubota shares our passion for construction and business, and is very supportive of the work we do,” concluded Julian. “It’s no coincidence we have grown simultaneously during the 25 years we have worked together. We now look forward to the next 25+ with great enthusiasm.”
