Strong summer sales for Engcon

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Strong summer sales for Engcon: The effects of Covid-19 are not over yet, but this summer’s sales figures have provided Engcon with a positive outlook. The unexpected increase in sales during the months of June and July mean that Engcon is now overseeing extra efforts to produce and fulfil the delivery of additional orders.

Engcon like many companies was affected when Covid-19 struck with full force in the spring. As well as impacting sales, Engcon was forced to cancel and return early from this year’s largest construction trade show CONEXPO, in Las Vegas. Engcon is known for its good financial management and immediately acted with a package of measures, that included cost savings, budget adjustments and prioritising efforts to streamline processes and working practices. However, this summer’s sales figures were better than expected, which meant ramping up production to meet the increase in customer orders.

Strong summer sales for Engcon

Strong summer sales for Engcon

”For us, it is of the utmost importance to run the company in a serious and long-term way. In uncertain times, we do what we can to minimise the effects if it should be a worst case scenario,” says Krister Blomgren, CEO of Engcon Holding, and continues:

“But it turned out pretty soon that despite the pandemic, many excavator operators around the world continued their work with maintenance of railways, highways, forestry and building structures. We know that our products contribute to socially beneficial activities and these priorities around the world have therefore of course been favourable for us as a company. This is a strong contributing factor to our positive sales figures”.

In total, Engcon Group sales dropped by approximately 14 percent from January to July 2020, compared with the same period last year, while sales increased by 18 percent in the non-Nordic markets.

“What you have to remember is that it is the other markets that are growing at a higher rate right now, meanwhile sales remain sluggish in our normally stronger markets here in the Nordic region”.

However, Engcon has seen greater caution around larger investments, but at the same time can see that many excavator operators barely have time available for all their assignments right now. Those who can afford it are thus making the smart move to invest in an economic downturn in order to prepare for the upturn.

”Investing in a tiltrotator makes digging considerably more efficient, which means extra capacity to catch up with more jobs in hectic times. It is wise to equip the business, regardless of whether you are a local excavation company or a large global corporation,” says Krister Blomgren.

Engcon has a number of activities prioritised to further develop the business and come out stronger on the other side of the pandemic.

“For example, we have just chosen a supplier for a new business system, as part of a decision we made over a year ago. Our strategy is to streamline our processes and make smart investments to become even better. This summer’s sales have been good, and we are cautiously optimistic, even though we have not heard the latest about Covid-19 yet,” Krister Blomgren concludes.

The markets where sales rose significantly during the year were North America (USA and Canada), Denmark, the United Kingdom and Australia.

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CMAE European Conference opens for registration

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CMAE European Conference opens for registration: The 2020 European Conference on Club Management hosted by the Club Managers Association of European (CMAE) is today open for registration.

The virtual event takes place over three days from the 30th November to the 2nd December 2020 and uses online technology to create a delegate experience like never before.

CMAE European Conference opens for registration

CMAE European Conference opens for registration

The conference features an exciting line up of over 30 speakers, including 10 Certified Club Managers, who will all share their expertise on subjects relating to the 11 core competencies of club management, including Membership & Marketing, Interpersonal Skills, Facility Management, Food & Beverage, HR and Strategy.

The programme also includes an impressive line-up of keynote speakers.

GGA Partner’s Rob Hill will open up the event with a Governance session called “Measuring Leadership Success.” where he will suggest metrics for measuring leadership success in 2020 and beyond.

Former General Manager Andre Van Hall went blind and will talk about influencing change instead of being afraid of it.

Arnaldo Cocuzza CCM will talk about his fascinating story from being a successful club manager in Italy and President of CMAE, to then losing his job and starting his new life in the USA where he now finds himself at the exclusive Desert Mountain Club in Arizona.

Also joining the keynote line up is Vincent Phipps. Vincent is an keynote speaker, workshop facilitator and communication coach. Vincent is called The Attitude Amplifier due to his high energy, content rich material, and interactive presentation style. Vincent’s philosophy is, “If I can get you to laugh, I can get you to listen.  If I can get you to listen, I can help you amplify.”

The event uses video conferencing tools and branded online platforms creating space to connect with delegates, sponsors and educators from across the globe creating a unique learning and networking experience.

An early bird registration fee of £225 is available to those who book their place before September 30th. The standard fee of £295 will apply thereafter.

The event is open to CMAE members only and members of CMAA, CMAS, CMASA, CMHK, GMA, GMANZ

Full details and a link to register can be found at http://www.cmaeurope.org/news-events/conf2020

Link to YouTube video https://youtu.be/Dh7lo0r-svo 

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Walton Heath invests in Toro fleet deal

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Walton Heath invests in Toro fleet deal: Walton Heath Golf Club has had Toro machinery in its fleet of greenkeeping machinery for decades, but after seeing the benefits a Toro package deal would bring to the course and its members, the club signed its first five-year agreement with the brand.

With its Old Course having ranked in world top 100 lists every year since the inception of the rankings in 1938, Walton Heath Golf Club knows a little something about consistently providing excellence. This is part of the reason they opted for a Toro fleet deal, as club chairman Dr Alastair Wells explains:

Walton Heath invests in Toro fleet deal

Walton Heath invests in Toro fleet deal

“Having a fully modern fleet means we can maintain the courses to a very high standard,” he says. “For example, the uniformity of cut and reliability are always going to be better with new Toro machines, plus there are financial benefits. With a package deal we can retain cash as the cost is spread out over five years, which was one reason why we made the switch from buying machines on an annual basis.”

“With such a large investment to consider, the decision to go with Toro wasn’t made lightly as we wanted to provide our highly valued course manager Michael Mann and his team the best possible equipment. We had machinery demonstrations from a number of leading brands, however it became clear that Toro was the way to go. Toro and Reesink Turfcare are such reputable companies for one but added to that is the fact that Toro equipment is first class.”

The comprehensive fleet deal includes four Toro Greensmaster TriFlex Hybrid 3420s, two Groundsmaster 4700-Ds, four Reelmaster 6700-Ds and a further two Multi Pro 5800-Ds, three Workman HDXs and one Workman MDX.

“Toro really suits the terrain here,” continues Dr Wells. “We’ve been happy with the service from Reesink and Toro before, so it made sense to invest in a brand we know and trust.”

With the new deal spearheaded by course manager Michael Mann, this significant investment in Toro is only one part of the club’s efforts to improve and develop the course.

“The two courses here at Walton Heath are highly regarded across the country, in part due to the great tournament history they have, but also because of our continuous efforts to make improvements,” continues Dr Wells. “Since 2000, nine hectares of pure heath land have been restored and more recently we’ve brought in architects Mackenzie and Ebert to review both the Old and New course. This new agreement with Toro and Reesink is just the start of further development in the club, which we believe will see improved results.”

Reesink’s Jon Cole, branch manager – South East, adds: “We are delighted to have cemented our long-term relationship with Walton Heath Golf Club following the club’s due diligence process. Our local representative, Mike Taylor, supported by the Reesink South East team engaged in a busy evaluation process with Michael Mann and his team at Walton Heath. So after the hard work put into the selection process, we are immensely pleased to have the club reconfirm their confidence in us and the Toro brand.”

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Safety first for employees, dealers and customers

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Safety first for employees, dealers and customers: John Deere will not attend international trade shows in 2021.

In order to ensure the safety of customers and employees, John Deere has announced that it will not attend any international agricultural and turf trade shows in Europe and the CIS during the company’s 2021 fiscal year (1 November 2020 to 31 October 2021), as this would require extensive international travel. Instead, the company will use a new marketing mix of traditional and digital tools to deliver information to customers.

Safety first for employees, dealers and customers

Safety first for employees, dealers and customers

Events of the last few months have profoundly changed everyone’s working and social lives. The protection of people’s health and safety is now more critical than ever, while maintaining close contact with customers is still important to provide reliable services in these uncertain times.

“Farmers have done an excellent job in the emergency phase of COVID-19 to ensure food supplies. For that we wish to express our appreciation to all our customers,” said Denny Docherty, John Deere Vice President Sales & Marketing, Region 2. “The pandemic has changed the world and our industry is undergoing a period of great change too. This also applies to our marketing activities.”

The need for a new approach to communications with customers has therefore prompted John Deere to reduce its participation in trade fairs for the time being, and the company has decided not to exhibit at any international agricultural or turf show during the company’s next fiscal year, which ends on 31 October 2021.

John Deere’s key focus in 2021 will be the change in its operating model, to become a ‘smart industrial company’. As previously announced, Deere is moving towards being a production system-based organisation, in order to build a more customer driven and streamlined business. This is one of the biggest organisational restructurings in the company’s 183-year history, which requires a change of marketing approach and an extended focus on Precision Ag technologies.

“We are also expecting a major change in the exhibition landscape, driven by COVID-19 and digitalisation,” said Andreas Jess, John Deere Director Marketing, Region 2. “In the medium term, our company would welcome a new timetable to be implemented by the international trade fair organisations, to free up the show cycle across Europe. However, we will continue to support our John Deere dealers if they decide to participate in their local agricultural and turf shows, always based on the fact that the health and safety of both customers and dealers can be ensured.”

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Polaris introduces new full-size Ranger line-up

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Polaris introduces new full-size Ranger line-up: Polaris today announced new models for its 2021 Ranger line-up – the industry’s No.1-selling utility side-by-side vehicle – including the all-new Ranger 1000 purpose-built for farmers, hunters, and smallholding owners, offering the ultimate combination of price and performance. 

“When there is a big job to do, the new RANGER 1000 is the perfect machine to help get it done and continue to build upon our hardest-working, smoothest-riding promise,” said Frederic Mardon, Product Manager of Polaris Off Road Europe, Middle East and Africa. “Our new RANGER 1000 model has been engineered for work, designed for comfort and built to last, and we are pleased to be introducing this to our markets for 2021. We’ve also introduced huge new upgrades to our top-of-the-line Ranger XP 1000, making it bolder than ever before.”

Polaris introduces new full-size Ranger line-up

Polaris introduces new full-size Ranger line-up

2021 RANGER 1000

Experience the ultimate combination of price and performance with the new Ranger 1000, featuring smoother low-speed drivability and increased agility to create a perfect balance of big-work capability and all-day comfort.

Engineered for Work

With consumer-inspired improvements all round, the Ranger 1000 is designed to be the ultimate workhorse capable of getting the toughest jobs done. The all-new ProStar 1000 single overhead cam engine is optimised to provide more torque at lower RPMs, and there is an all-new Pro-PVTi clutch system to deliver smooth drivability at low speeds and allow users to get the most out of the class-leading 1,134kg towing capacity. The Ranger 1000 offers 30.5cm of ground clearance and 25.4cm of suspension travel on the front and rear to rise above any obstacle, plus a payload capacity of 454kg and a tight turning radius to stay agile in tight spaces. It is equipped with multiple Lock & Ride mounting locations to add key accessories needed for the job at hand.

Designed for Comfort

For the comfort to work and go all day, the Ranger engineering team has designed the Ranger 1000 with rider experience in mind, featuring 12.7cm of entry and exit clearance and padded bench seats. The all-new, one-piece chassis provides a rigid frame for a more comfortable ride. Inside, the cab features a large glovebox plus a lower dash bin, driver and passenger under-seat storage and up to eight cup holders. With seamless accessory integration across Ranger Pro Shield cab system components and a pre-wired three-position Polaris Pulse electrical system under the hood, the Ranger 1000 enables consumers to ride in comfort all day long, no matter the conditions.

Built to Last

Ranger is renowned for the longevity of its vehicles, and the Ranger 1000 is no exception. A completely redesigned front end features a heavy-duty steel front bumper and a full-body skid plate, provides more protection from unforgiving terrain. A quick-release grille panel adds to the distinct style and is integrated into the front of the Ranger 1000 for easy access to the radiator for service and cleaning, and a new high-capacity, round air filter has been conveniently located for easy access, inspection and maintenance. Longer-lasting, quieter and maintenance-free sealed suspension bushings come standard, and CV guards have been carried forward for additional A-arm protection. The new Pro-PVTi clutching system has been engineered from the ground up with large internal wear components to deliver enhanced drivability, reliability and control.

Enhanced durability, protection and ease of maintenance make the Ranger 1000 stronger and tougher, no matter the task.

Available in Sage Green as standard, the Ranger 1000 is also available in a Nordic Pro special edition, featuring a glossy black pearl paint finish complemented by bright Velocity Blue springs, an in-cab heater and cab seal kit fitted as standard along with 12-inch black aluminium wheels and a Polaris PRO Heavy-Duty 2041kg winch for a helping hand in tricky situations. 

2021 RANGER XP 1000

Top of the range and built to be the most capable and comfortable Ranger ever, the Ranger XP 1000 also receives notable upgrades for 2021; now featuring a brand-new look with the addition of striking LED headlights to the three-seater model, and new colour options.

Not only do the updated LED lights give the Ranger a more aggressive and premium look, but they also deliver 90-percent more output than the traditional halogen lights for improved visibility in low-light conditions, allowing riders to stay outside for longer to get the job done.

The Ranger XP 1000 EPS is available in Matte Navy with 12-inch aluminium wheels – for both three-seater and Crew models – and Polaris Pursuit Camo – for the three-seater only – as well as the new special edition finish – Nordic Pro. Similar to the Ranger 1000, the Nordic Pro sees an in-cab heater fitted as standard, in addition to the sparkling black pearl paint finish with bright blue springs, 12-inch black aluminium wheels and a Polaris PRO Heavy-Duty 2041kg winch. The ABS version of the Ranger XP 1000 EPS is available in Burgundy Metallic. 

With its ProStar 1000 double-cam overhead engine, 1134kg towing capacity, 454kg cargo bed capacity, 33cm ground clearance and 27.9cm suspension travel on the front and rear, the Ranger XP 1000 is the top-of-the-range in quality and features. Available on certain models, the three-position engine switch on the dash allows users to switch between work, standard and performance settings to suit their ride, whilst the premium paint finish, 12-inch alloy wheels and huge 27-inch Maxxis tyres make it look bolder and more stylish than ever before.

The 2021 RANGER full-size line-up is available as below:

2021 Ranger 1000 – Sage Green

2021 Ranger 1000 – Nordic Pro Special Edition in Black Pearl

2021 Ranger XP 1000 EPS – Matte Navy (available in three-seater and crew models)

2021 Ranger XP 1000 EPS – Polaris Pursuit Camo

2021 Ranger XP 1000 EPS – Nordic Pro Special Edition in Black Pearl

2021 Ranger XP 1000 EPS ABS – Burgundy Metallic

2021 Ranger Diesel – Sage Green

For further media information on Polaris ORV products, please contact the Polaris ORV Media Office on +44 (0) 1525 270100 or email us at press@polaris-orv.media.

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