Here are updates about construction-industry dealerships across the U.S.
Hitachi Construction Machinery
Hitachi Construction Machinery Americas Partners With General Equipment & Supplies
General Equipment & Supplies, Inc. and Hitachi Construction Machinery Americas Inc. (HCMA) recently established a partnership to market Hitachi machinery across Minnesota, South Dakota and Northern Michigan. The alliance allows General Equipment & Supplies, Inc. to represent the full line of wheel loaders and excavators across the majority of Minnesota, the construction line of excavators and wheel loaders in South Dakota and mining equipment in Northern Michigan.
Meaningful relationships, trust and creative solutions are values that HCMA and General Equipment & Supplies, Inc. share. These values will build the foundation of a strong partnership.
“Our core focus is to build meaningful relationships by earning trust. We do that by asking the right questions and providing creative solutions,” said Matt Kern, vice president of rolling stock for General Equipment & Supplies, Inc.
General Equipment & Supplies, Inc. is committed to its customers’ long-term success.
“We are not just trying to provide our customers the next piece of iron. At the end of the day, they are coming to us with a problem, and we want to provide a solution,” said Jon Shilling, president and CEO of General Equipment & Supplies, Inc. “We’re extremely excited to represent this brand. It allows us to provide customers high-quality equipment solutions that complement existing products.”
Backed by more than a half-century of engineering innovation and advanced manufacturing excellence, Hitachi has a worldwide reputation for reliability, smart technology integration and low operating costs.
“Since we added our Hitachi-branded excavator and mining equipment to the North and Latin American markets to go along with our well-established lineup of wheel loaders, we’ve been able to establish dealer partnerships with some of the leading equipment distributors in the industry. General Equipment & Supplies, Inc. is a perfect example of that,” said Al Quinn, CEO of HCMA. “We couldn’t be prouder to have General Equipment & Supplies, Inc. representing Hitachi equipment.”
Fuchs MHL350 at NED, LLC Richmond Hill-Savannah, Ga. location.Fuchs Material Handlers
NED Becomes Dealer for Fuchs
National Equipment Dealers, LLC is now the authorized dealer for Fuchs Material Handlers in the state of Georgia. As of January 2023, NED, LLC has expanded its sales and service footprint with Fuchs Material Handlers beyond the current authorized territory of Houston and Dallas, Texas, to include the state of Georgia.
NED is growing fast throughout the state of Georgia with two servicing branches, currently located in Richmond Hill – Savannah, Georgia and in Dallas – Atlanta, Georgia. Later this year, NED plans to open two additional branches to support customers in other parts of the state. NED, formerly known as Four Seasons Equipment in Texas, represented the Fuchs brand since 2014.
During the past eight years, NED earned the Fuchs Material Handler status of Top Dealer for Texas.
“Our expansion with Fuchs is perfect timing for the ongoing growth of our company throughout Georgia,” said Dan Letterle, chief sales officer of NED. “The addition of this great line of material handling equipment will build on our already well-established presence in the scrap and recycling industry in Georgia. Over the years, our specialist team developed strong sales and support relationships with key scrap customers by leveraging other brands that we represent; and we are excited to expand our equipment solutions with Fuchs Material Handlers to a growing customer base."
General Truck Sales
General Truck Sales Becomes a Mack Certified EV Dealer
Mack Trucks dealer General Truck Sales recently completed the stringent requirements to become a Mack Certified Electric Vehicle (EV) Dealer at its Toledo, Ohio location. The designation means General Truck Sales will now be able to service and support the Mack LR Electric refuse vehicle, Mack’s first Class 8 full electric vehicle.
General Truck Sales is Mack’s first Ohio location to be a certified EV Dealer.
“Our dealer partner General Truck Sales recognizes the need to invest in electrification and the Mack brand as customers move toward zero-emissions vehicles,” said Jonathan Randall, president of Mack Trucks North America. “The investment in this General Truck Sales site will help our customers and their customers meet sustainability goals while also reducing their carbon footprint.”
Dealers must meet rigorous safety, infrastructure, tooling, charging and training requirements to be EV-certified. Mack executives work hand-in-hand with dealer executives to ensure requirements are met and the transition to EV support is smooth.
“General Truck Sales recognizes society’s growing interest toward alternate energy sources, such as electrified vehicles,” said Steve Bassett, president of General Truck Sales. “We chose to become EV-certified to ensure that our dealerships offer Mack customers based in the Midwest all of the support they need. We are pleased to be partnering with Mack in this process. Our customers recognize the importance of decarbonization, and we look forward to helping them achieve their sustainability goals.”
General Truck Sales, located at 5801 Suder Ave., Toledo, has 93,000 square feet and 34 service bays, two of which are designated for electric vehicles. There are 21 technicians, eight master technicians and two certified to perform service on the Mack LR Electric.
Bassett said he chose to certify General Truck Sales in Toledo, a Mack Certified Uptime Dealer, because the flagship location is close to major highways and is a newer facility. The site is equipped with a 50kWH electric vehicle charger and multiple outlets for optimal flexibilities and options.
“Mack made the EV-certification process smooth,” Bassett said. “General Truck Sales in Toledo built in 2017, was purposely built to accommodate the expansion into the service and support of electric vehicles because we had the foresight to anticipate the move toward electrification. We also support sustainability practices such as recycling batteries, metals, oils, coolants, exhaust filters and paint thinners, and we built this location with the latest energy-saving features.”
The next generation Mack LR Electric offers 42 percent more energy and a standard 376kWh total battery capacity for increased range between charges. Twin electric motors with 448 continuous horsepower and a 4,051 lb.-ft. of peak torque output from zero RPM power the vehicle.
A copper-colored Bulldog on the cab makes the LR Electric easily identifiable as a Mack truck and denotes the electric drivetrain. Four NMC (Nickel Manganese Cobalt Oxide) lithium-ion batteries, charged through a 150 kW, SAE J1772-compliant charging system, propel the vehicle and provide power for all onboard accessories through 12V, 24V and 600V circuits. The two-stage regenerative braking system helps recapture energy from the hundreds of stops the vehicle makes each day with an increasing load.
The Mack LR Electric may be fitted with equipment bodies from numerous manufacturers based on the unique needs of the customer. The same driver/passenger side driving configurations, as well as seating choices and door options, are offered in the LR Electric as on the diesel-powered Mack LR model.
To help simplify the purchase process and help customers better manage expenses associated with acquiring the Mack LR Electric model, Mack recently launched its all-inclusive Vehicle-as-a-Service (VaaS). VaaS includes the vehicle chassis, the refuse body, applicable taxes and a comprehensive vehicle protection plan, the Mack Ultra Service Agreement, for the Mack LR Electric model.
The Mack Ultra Service Agreement, a comprehensive uptime package that accompanies the purchase of Mack LR Electric models, includes scheduled maintenance, preventative maintenance, towing and repair, a battery monitoring service and Mack’s connected uptime services in one package. It can be included with monthly truck payments for customers in the U.S. and Canada through Mack Financial Services (MFS).
Mack also provides charging and infrastructure expertise with strategic supplier partnerships that support our customers with their short- and long-term EV needs.
LiuGong North America
Broadhead Joins LiuGong North America Dealers
When Broadhead Equipment, formerly known as JES Equipment Solutions, set out to find a new line of construction equipment to sell, they’d never heard of LiuGong North America. But after research and talking with local suppliers, leaders of the Sumiton, Alabama-based dealership kept hearing the same name pop up again and again. It didn’t take long – they decided LiuGong is likely “to be the next big thing in the area.”
“This is our business and our livelihood, and we’re eager to expand,” said Jordan Broadhead, Broadhead Equipment business manager. “We think LiuGong can take us there.”
Broadhead Equipment is the latest business to join LiuGong North America’s growing dealership partner network. The company was founded in 2019 with just a service truck and two bulldozer engines and has since expanded to sell tractors, zero-turn mowers, and construction equipment. It just changed its name to better identify its company and brand presence to avoid confusion with another entity.
LiuGong North America President Andrew Ryan welcomed Broadhead Equipment to the dealer network and noted the business will play a key role in expanding its footprint in the area.
“We are incredibly thankful to reach this agreement and are excited to work with them moving forward,” Ryan said. “Broadhead Equipment has grown quickly in just a few years, and we’re excited to see how we expand together in the future.”
Broadhead Equipment leaders are no strangers to heavy equipment. Owner Richard Broadhead has more than 35 years of experience in the industry, with about half as an independent contractor and the other half with another industry firm. To him, growing Broadhead Equipment with LiuGong is about establishing a future for his family.
“I’m hoping to take this to the next level, leave a legacy for my family and let this thing grow and grow,” Richard Broadhead said.
The more Broadhead Equipment learned about LiuGong through the onboarding process, the more they were drawn to the brand. Their dealership agreement feels like a partnership; They’re not just selling LiuGong’s equipment. LiuGong machines have standard components, like Cummins and Yanmar engines. There’s also the fact that both companies are mutually committed to helping one another grow.
“One thing that stood out about LiuGong – when they found out we’re not that big, they didn’t go radio silent on us, or look at us like we’re not big enough to sell their equipment,” owner Alex Broadhead said. “They came in here, were very friendly and they saw the potential for what we could become.”
Broadhead Equipment covers an area that extends across the northwest quarter of Alabama, from Birmingham north to the Tennessee line and west to Mississippi. Broadhead Equipment serves several industries, including construction, mining, landscaping and municipal.
Deere Collaborates With Microsoft to Help Dealers
John Deere is launching a new dealer business system using Microsoft Dynamics 365. The system will provide a common technology platform for many aspects of a dealer's business, enabling new opportunities for growth, innovation, and customer insights for dealers. Both companies will use their expertise to deliver this new and innovative technology.
The Dynamics 365 platform is a foundation for the next generation dealer business system, with the ability to be configured based on customer needs. The technology aligns with John Deere's Smart Industrial strategy and digitalization efforts of the company and John Deere dealers.
"We are positioning dealers to align with Deere's growing focus on technology and unlocking value for our customers," said Siva Ganesh, vice president, John Deere Global IT. "This new, common dealer business platform will allow John Deere and our dealers to engage with each other more efficiently and gain new insights."
John Deere's network of independent dealers have delivered market-leading customer support for decades. Now, by pairing John Deere's products and innovation with a more efficient and integrated technology platform the dealer network will be enabled to realize:
- Growth through deep and actionable customer and market understanding
- Increased operational performance through efficient processes and trusted insights
- Enhanced system capabilities, security, scalability, and mobility
- Exceptional and consistent customer experiences with John Deere products and services
To support these outcomes, Dynamics 365 applications will seamlessly integrate John Deere dealers' sales, rental, aftermarket, and administrative capabilities to enable higher levels of process automation and insights for decision making.
"With Microsoft Dynamics 365, all key parts of the dealership will be connected," said Ray Smith, vice president, supply chain, business application and platform, Microsoft. "Dealers will be empowered to collaborate across locations and departments. They'll have the insights to make critical decisions, take advantage of new trends, disrupt, adapt, and reimagine what's possible. It will also enable them to develop a more effective and efficient ecosystem to anticipate needs and take care of their customers."
The Dynamics 365-based dealer business system is currently being developed and will have a multi-year rollout.
Perkins Appoints Machinery & Energy Ltd. as Distributor
Perkins Engines Company Limited has entered into an agreement appointing Machinery & Energy Ltd. (M&E) as an authorised Perkins distributor in The Bahamas, Turks and Caicos and Cayman Islands.
With more than 18 years’ experience operating across The Bahamas, Turks and Caicos and Cayman Islands, M&E has an existing footprint across the territory. Its headquarters in Nassau, Bahamas, will be supported by the establishment of branches in Freeport and Abaco in The Bahamas and Grand Cayman in the Cayman Islands.
“I’m very pleased we have been able to appoint M&E as a Perkins distributor, as it has a skilled team with a vast knowledge and experience of working with diesel engines in a wide variety of applications across many of our key sectors including construction, mining, electric power generation and industrial pumps and compressors.” said Jaz Gill, vice president of global sales, marketing, service and parts at Perkins. “M&E’s existing capabilities across this territory will enable it to quickly and effectively support Perkins-powered customers, giving them the parts, service and support coverage, they require.”
Javier De Arco, general manager at M&E said: “It’s an honour and privilege to obtain the distribution of Perkins in The Bahamas, Turks and Caicos, and the Cayman Islands. This addition to our portfolio will provide our customers with more options for a high-quality and robust power source alongside our customer service and product support offerings. We are ready to power Paradise!”
Atlas Copco Welcomes Kinsley Group as Dealer
Atlas Copco Power Technique has announced that the Kinsley Group is a new dealer, effective immediately. Kinsley Group will provide mobile industrial generator and energy storage system sales, rental, and service for customers throughout the Northeast United States. Kinsley's area of operation encompasses Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine.
Founded in 1964, Kinsley Group is a distributor of energy solutions for industrial, residential and prime power applications. With a strong reputation for integrity and professionalism, their mission is to set the standard for energy systems performance and service by providing quality products and employing the best people in the industry.
"We're excited to partner with Kinsley Group," said Robert Miltenberger, Regional Vice President – North at Atlas Copco. "Kinsley's core values align very closely with those of Atlas Copco – Interaction, Commitment, and Innovation. We're looking forward to working with them to meet the needs of customers in the power systems market in the Northeast."
In their area of operation, Kinsley Group will carry the Atlas Copco QAS/QAC line of Tier 4F mobile diesel generators and ZBP/ZBC line of energy storage systems, focusing on systems larger than 150 KW. They will also have other Atlas Copco Power Technique products available as needed.
"Over the years, we have seen an increased demand for a broad range of mobile power," said David Kinsley, president of Kinsley Group. "Atlas Copco products complement our existing product portfolio and align well with our customers' needs. In addition, our service reach, technical expertise, and robust rental business make for an ideal partnership between our two companies. I look forward to a bright future together."
Vermeer Northwest and Vermeer Mountain West Merge
Vermeer Northwest and Vermeer Mountain West are joining forces. At the end of 2022, Vermeer Northwest merged with and took the name of Vermeer Mountain West. Combining these two adjacent Vermeer dealership groups creates a contiguous network of 13 locations spanning much of the western United States. By joining forces, both dealership groups will bring equipment expertise and market knowledge to their combined region. Leadership from both dealership groups will continue to be engaged in the business.
In 1990, Doug and Jaci Terpstra left Vermeer Corporation in Pella, Iowa, and founded Vermeer Northwest. Fourteen years later, Tim Weaver joined the business and eventually purchased the successful dealership from Doug, his father-in-law. Along with his veteran team of leaders, he continued to develop Vermeer Northwest’s rich 33-year legacy of customer service.
Through this merger, Tim has accepted the role of vice president of sales with direct oversite in leading commercialization efforts in the states of Washington and Alaska. Tim joins the senior leadership team of Vermeer Mountain West. He and his wife, Johanna, are also now significant shareholders in the Vermeer Mountain West organization.
Kyle Pieratt will continue to lead as the president and CEO of Vermeer Mountain West. Kyle shares, “We are excited to continue to build out the Vermeer Mountain West brand as we strive to deliver excellence for our customers. This merger continues to leverage our ability to scale customer service, inventories and long-term career pathing for our team members, in the fast pace and growing markets we serve. Similar to the customers and suppliers, competing at scale continues to be a vital part to sustainability well into the foreseeable future. We are committed to this journey with our customers and team members!”
Vermeer Mountain West will be headquartered in Chandler, Ariz. There will also be branch locations in Tucson (Arizona), Las Vegas (Nevada), Albuquerque (New Mexico), El Paso (Texas), Salt Lake City (Utah), Boise (Idaho), Billings (Montana), Missoula (Montana), Spokane (Washington), Tacoma (Washington), Marysville (Washington) and Anchorage (Alaska).
Thompson Pump Launches Partnership with Distributor
Thompson Pump expands its distribution in the central United States with a new partnership. Thompson Pump and Manufacturing Co., a manufacturer of heavy-duty, diesel-powered bypass and dewatering pumps, announces its distributor’s agreement with Kirby-Smith Machinery, Inc.
With this new partnership, Kirby-Smith, a distributor of heavy construction equipment in the central U.S., will be selling, servicing and renting Thompson Pump’s industry-leading products throughout Oklahoma and North and West Texas within markets like governmental sales, oil and gas, construction, mining and industrial. In this region, terrain and geography can be tricky. Thompson Pump’s more than 50 years of experience in manufacturing pumps and operating its own rental branch locations has helped it to build heavy-duty, portable pumps that hold up to the rigors of the area. Combined with Kirby-Smith’s superior service in the territory for more than 40 years, Thompson Pump’s National Sales Manager Pat Broderick says this partnership is a natural fit.
“We are very excited about this partnership as it brings Thompson Pump’s products and name recognition to a region with plenty of competitors,” said Broderick. “Kirby-Smith is one of the premier equipment dealers in the central U.S. and the continuity of products and services it provides to this market is key to our growth in the area.”
“Partnering with a company like Thompson Pump, which is known throughout the industries for its reliability, support and value, allows us to expand our reach and connect with customers in an entirely new way,” said Kirby-Smith’s Sam Schneider, General Manager, Industrial Equipment.
Kirby-Smith Machinery, Inc. is a full-service dealer serving the construction, mining and industrial markets since 1983. Headquartered in Oklahoma City, the company has branch locations strategically located in cities such as Tulsa, McAlester, Kansas City, St. Louis, Dallas, Fort Worth, Abilene, Amarillo, Odessa, Lubbock, and Waco, allowing it to provide superior service on a local level.
