From 1 October 2016, LiftRite Hire & Sales will become the Kobelco dealer for Western Australia, with Loadex withdrawing from this market. LiftRite was founded in 1983 to provide materials handling solutions to the construction, mining and agricultural industries, and also has experience with compact construction equipment.
LiftRite Sales Director Jack Przytula said, “The Kobelco franchise complements our existing business. With our size and reputation, we have been offered other franchises over the years, but have rejected them because they do not fit into our business model.
“Our research showed that Kobelco has an excellent reputation, and Glenn Alderton is returning to handle Kobelco sales at LiftRite after handling excavator sales when we held another franchise. Glenn has been singing the praises of Kobelco,” Jack said.
While LiftRite has handled compact equipment, it is no stranger to large equipment, with some of the materials handling equipment that it handles having capacities of over 50 tonnes.
“With the size of our workshop and the three overhead cranes, we could handle 12 of the largest excavators Kobelco makes at one time,” Jack says.
The support isn’t just in the facilities: Jack is proud that around 60% of the LiftRite staff is involved in service and support, and there are 12 service vehicles in the fleet.
However there have also been extensive preparations undertaken for a smooth transition of the Kobelco agency: technicians and sales staff will be undergoing extensive training in Kobelco equipment, including the new series 10 excavators; information received from Kobelco on sales patterns and the existing machine population has been analysed to determine equipment and parts stock holdings; and advice has been received from Loadex on the best attachments and hitches to match the quality of the Kobelco excavators.
While LiftRite handles hire as well as sales, Jack states that the Kobelco presence in the hire fleet will be primarily to provide a service, explaining that, “We know from our many years in business that it’s important not to be seen as competing with your best customers.”
Jack has high expectations for the partnership of LiftRite and Kobelco, believing that the combination of the quality and advanced features of the Kobelco excavator range and the LiftRite focus on service and support will see Kobelco build to account for around 30% of LiftRite’s turnover.
With LiftRite’s directors working in the business, Jack sees advantages for customers compared to larger corporate distributors. “If customers have a concern, they can talk to us and we can make a quick decision,” he explained.
For more information contact LiftRite Hire & Sales
P: 9246 6200
W: www.liftrite.com.au
