GGM Group and Kubota Celebrate 50 Year Partnership
GGM Group and Kubota Celebrate 50 Year Partnership
GGM Group is proud to announce the celebration of a remarkable milestone: 50 years of partnership with Kubota. This enduring collaboration reflects a shared commitment to quality, innovation, and customer service that has spanned generations and helped shape the landscape of groundcare and machinery solutions across the UK.
GGM Group and Kubota Celebrate 50 Year Partnership
Since the partnership began in 1976, GGM Group and Kubota have worked side by side to deliver industry leading equipment and support to customers nationwide. Built on mutual trust and aligned values, the relationship has grown into one of the most respected and longstanding distributor-manufacturer partnerships in the sector.
A Legacy Built on Shared Values
Henry Bredin, Division Manager Kubota commented:
“Reaching 50 years in partnership with GGM Group is a testament to the strength of our shared vision and the dedication of both businesses over the decades. GGM has consistently represented the Kubota brand with professionalism, expertise, and a deep understanding of customer needs. We are proud of what we’ve achieved together and excited for what lies ahead.”
Chris Gibson, Managing Director GGM Group, reflected on the journey:
“This milestone is not just about longevity, it’s about relationships. My father was always driven by new ideas. When he purchased the Ramsbottom business at Kirkham in 1976, he set out to find a product that would transform the way horticultural growers operated in glasshouses. Following discussions with John Croft, Kubota’s Sales Agent at the time, he became the first dealer to sign up, and that marked the beginning of the compact tractor business in the UK.
As a family, we are incredibly proud of the foresight he showed. It’s remarkable to think that five decades have passed since we sold our first Kubota B6000. I believe his entrepreneurial spirit continues to guide us today, as we constantly look for new opportunities to evolve our product offering and deliver the highest level of service to our customers.”
Welcoming the Next Generation
As GGM Group celebrates its history, it also looks firmly to the future with the introduction of the next generation of leadership: Andrew and Thomas Gibson. Representing the continuation of a family-led business, both bring fresh perspectives, energy, and a commitment to upholding the values that have defined the company for decades.
Andrew Gibson commented:
“Growing up around the business, Kubota has always been part of our story. It’s an honour to step into this next chapter and continue building on such a strong foundation. We’re focused on innovation, sustainability, and ensuring we continue to meet the evolving needs of our customers.”
Thomas Gibson added:
“This partnership has stood the test of time because of its authenticity and shared purpose. As we look ahead, we’re excited to play our part in shaping the future of GGM Group while strengthening our relationship with Kubota and our customers, supported by outstanding customer service and support that stands as a testament to the whole team at GGM.”
Looking Ahead
As GGM Group and Kubota celebrate this golden anniversary, both businesses are reaffirming their commitment to driving innovation, supporting customers, and strengthening their partnership for the decades to come. This commitment has been further demonstrated through continued investment in customer support, including the opening of GGM Group’s Service Centre in Knottingley last year, enhancing support for Kubota customers across Yorkshire.
The milestone will be recognised and celebrated at two dedicated customer events in June, providing an opportunity to thank customers and showcase the strength of the partnership. The 50-year anniversary will also be highlighted throughout the show season, with a strong presence across key industry events.
As part of the celebrations, a customer competition is being launched to find the oldest Kubota machine still in operation today—recognising the longevity and reliability that have defined the brand over the past five decades.
Internally, GGM Group will host a staff summer social event, alongside a series of charity fundraising initiatives centred around the “50” theme, including challenges such as running 50km.
Chris Gibson concluded, “Fifty years is an incredible milestone, but we see it as just the beginning of the next chapter, together with Kubota, our team, and our customers, we look forward to continuing this journey.”
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