Cramo names Kubota top supplier

The Cramo Group chose Kubota Europe as its ‘Number 1 Supplier" in 2007. The rental company's fleet management and individual operating companies made the selection, for the first time, earlier this year.

Martin Holmgren, head of fleet management for Cramo Group, told IRN the primary reason was that Kubota "...has really been focusing to fulfil its aftermarket support. They treat each operating unit individually. Their equipment is really good quality, but it is more the way their organisation responds to our needs.

"They avoided difficulties with long lead times [in 2006 and 2007], trying to keep machines in stock, listening to our needs, preparing for our orders. They have gone from essentially zero [in business terms] with us two years ago to become an important supplier."

Mr Kunitomo Sato, sales director for Kubota Construction Machines, Europe told IRN, "We're not selling a lot of machines to big rental companies because our products are not the lowest cost. However, their quality after three, four years is still good. It is easier for Cramo to sell [their used] Kubota machines."

Mr Holmgren said, "I hope the competitors continue to buy the least expensive equipment. We talk about lifetime costs. We may pay a little more at the beginning, but for us it's quite an easy decision. Also, our customers request the premium brands."