Tag Archive for: Open

John Deere’s unique open day

John Deere’s unique open day: John Deere has announced a unique open day for those planning to leave the military in search of a new career.

On 13 June the company will invite servicemen and women to its UK & Ireland headquarters in Nottinghamshire for a special event designed to shine a light on technician roles working throughout the brand’s dealership network.

John Deere's unique open day

John Deere’s unique open day

The John Deere Military Hiring Programme Insight Day provides an opportunity to see first hand some of the world’s most advanced agricultural and professional turfcare equipment which requires skilled, dedicated technicians to service and maintain.

There will be networking opportunities with representatives from the John Deere business as well as dealers, and presentations will set out how fulfilling the role can be.

Allan Cochran, Training Centre Manager, said: “We launched the John Deere Military Hiring Programme in the UK and Ireland last year and are starting to see those who have been through the training start new careers at our dealers.

“We strongly believe in the pool of talent resettling from successful careers in the military. We have thousands of examples worldwide demonstrating that they have the ideal skillset to slot seamlessly into technician roles.

“There’s nothing like seeing the machinery up close and speaking directly to those who already work in the businesses to get a sense of what your future career could look like, so this day is a great opportunity to explore the people, the place and the product.”

Presentations will explain the scale and purpose of John Deere, including its values behind the mission to sustainably help feed and clothe a growing population. Those attending can see what it is like to work within the brand’s family from those who have already completed a resettlement.

The Military Hiring Programme is a worldwide initiative to support resettling servicemen and women. Those who apply are connected to an individual within John Deere who has already made the transition before being put through a raft of free training to prepare them for a career as a technician.

Allan said: “Much like modern military vehicles, our agricultural and turf products are packed with state-of-the-art technology. You could be working on a fully electric walk-behind golf greens mower or one of the world’s largest combine harvesters – there is huge variety and fulfilment in roles based all around the UK and Ireland.

“I urge anyone who is looking for a new career away from the military, or those who have already left, to sign up for this event and see for themselves what a future with John Deere looks like.”

Click here to sign up for the event for free.

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VGR TopChanger plays its part in Open preparations

VGR TopChanger plays its part in Open preparations: Preparations are well underway for the 152nd Open, taking place at Royal Troon this July. The Old Course has undergone some alterations since it last hosted the prestigious event back in 2016 including eight new tees and an overall lengthening of the course to just under 7400 yards.

Another new addition is a VGR TopChanger to the machinery shed of Course Manager Billy McLachlan and his team. He explains how the purchase of the TopChanger has significantly enhanced drainage and firmed up the playing surfaces since its delivery in September 2022.

VGR TopChanger plays its part in Open preparations

VGR TopChanger plays its part in Open preparations

Widely recognised as of the greatest links courses, Royal Troon are hosting the Open Championship for the 10th time in 2024 – the preparations for which are on track and in safe hands under Billy’s stewardship, who has been at the venue for over 40 years. In that time, he’s witnessed much in the way of technological development when it comes to maintenance equipment. “Sand injection is something that I looked at probably 12 to 15 years ago but, at the time, the machinery just didn’t deliver” he says. “More recently, effective solutions have become available bringing multiple benefits to plant health and the profile more generally. We’d been utilising the services of a contractor to conduct the operation for us, who did a good job but in wanting to increase the frequency in line with R&A recommendations, it became more economical to explore purchasing a machine of our own.”

Following an impressive demonstration, the club opted to purchase a TopChanger from VGR Equipment. The TopChanger uses high pressure waterpower to aerate the soil, with the option to simultaneously fill the channels with wet or dry sand – preventing anaerobic conditions, improving drainage and diluting organic matter throughout the profile. “Tom Peter from VGR brought the TopChanger in and we immediately thought it was brilliant. The flexibility of having our own machine, meaning we could conduct passes more frequently and, importantly, when the weather conditions were right made both financial and agronomic sense.”

“We were out in the Autumn of 2022, conducting one pass at a depth of 10” and a secondary pass at a shallower 3” before the weather turned” Billy explains. “Autumn 2023 saw us completing a further four passes on all 18 greens. Compared to other methods of aeration, the surface disruption is minimal and isn’t too much of a drain on our available labour and resources. The results are speaking for themselves, emerging from a very wet winter with the greens performing exactly as we need them to.”

He concludes, “It’s already proven to be a brilliant investment, which will also be put to good use on the Portland Course as well as the Old Course again later this year. The support from VGR throughout has also been first-class.”

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FairWays Foundation Grant application window now open

FairWays Foundation Grant application window now open: The FairWays Foundation is pleased to announce that the grant application window is now open for the 2024 Grant Cycle. Applications will be accepted through April 30th, 2024, and successful grant recipients will be notified in October 2024.

Interested applicants can begin their application by visiting thefairwaysfoundation.com/apply

FairWays Foundation Grant application window now open

FairWays Foundation Grant application window now open

Founded in 2019, The FairWays Foundation was created to help support environmental conservation and stewardship projects and allied educational initiatives in an accessible way, with simplified requirements and application processes. To date The FairWays Foundation has provided over $697,000 in grants to support 48 conservation projects across the USA, Canada, Europe and UK.

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Amenity Sprayer Operator of the Year open for entries

Amenity Sprayer Operator of the Year open for entries: The search is on to recognise the UK’s most professional sprayer operators in the sports turf, amenity and landscape management industries. The Amenity Sprayer Operator of the Year (ASOOTY) awards highlight best practice and experience in the challenging role of ensuring accurate application on all amenity surfaces.

Sponsored by ICL and Syngenta and managed by the Amenity Forum, the awards seek to share top tips and advice that will raise the standards of spray application across the amenity industry.

Amenity Sprayer Operator of the Year open for entries

Amenity Sprayer Operator of the Year open for entries

The finalists and winner will be announced and presented at the prestigious BIGGA Awards ceremony at BTME in January 2024, with prizes worth over £500. All ASOOTY applicants will also be entered into a competition to win one of five Syngenta Sprayer Calibration & Application Kits.  BASIS CPD points for participating in the awards have been applied for.

The skills of sprayer operators to make efficient, effective and above all safe applications is essential for the future sustainability of the amenity and turf care industry. ASOOTY awards are a welcome way to recognise and reward the leading individuals and to learn from their experience.

Along with assessing operators’ skills of spray application and use of products, the ASOOTY awards also now reflect the importance of an integrated pest management (IPM) approach to any issues involving turf and landscape maintenance.

Announcing the opening of the ASOOTY 2023 awards at SALTEX (1-2 November), Syngenta Technical Manager, Sean Loakes, said: “Sprayer operation is a key factor in the success of every application, including elements of nozzle choice, water volume and fine tuning the sprayer to more effectively hit the intended target.

“However, for the best possible results, today’s professional sprayer operators must also fully understand the wider aspects of why an application is being made, and what other integrated options they can also employ for better long-term management of potential problems.

“Knowing when not to spray is in many ways as important as the techniques to actually make an application,” he advised.

ICL Landscape & Industrial Business Manager, Lewis Blois, added: “We are delighted to support such an important cross-sector industry initiative with a continued commitment to raise standards and improve results.

“Importantly it has identified and recognised the range of spray application techniques and the differing skills involved across the amenity sector. It will provide a unique and vitally important resource for all involved in spray application.”

This year the entry process aims to test sprayer operators’ broader knowledge of issues and solutions faced across the amenity sector through an initial on-line question form. Lewis explained entrants are not expected to know the answers to all the questions, however the entry form will help the judging panel to assess an individual’s experience and approach to dealing with challenges.

“The entry process itself will stimulate thought and understanding of the challenging issues around application across the sports turf, amenity and industrial land management industries, including the need to create integrated solutions using a full range of tools and tactics. We’re looking to find operators that can make those important proactive decisions with every application,” he added.

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Bookings open for Bernhard Academy programmes

Bookings open for Bernhard Academy programmes: The Bernhard Academy, the turf industry’s foremost education provider, has unveiled its all-new programme of educational courses, that are now available for booking at its three Academy sites around the UK via the new Bernhard Academy website.

The new courses have been carefully curated over the past 12-months and are designed to help greenkeepers, turf professionals, and mechanics take their skills to the next level. The courses offer valuable opportunities for attendees to take away real-world skills and solutions that can enhance the performance of their turf maintenance facility on a day-to-day basis.

Bookings open for Bernhard Academy programmes

Bookings open for Bernhard Academy programmes

Managing Director of Bernhard and Company, Steven Nixon, said: “We are thrilled to see this new programme of courses come to life after months of research and development. We’ve really been working hard to truly understand what it is that the turf industry needs, to continue moving forward, so we are excited to offer courses that address those needs head-on.”

Bernhard Academy has partnered with respected golf venues around the UK and installed bespoke facilities tailored to turf maintenance workshops. Each of the new courses will be delivered in a world-class learning environment at either Moortown Golf Club or Royal Norwich Golf Club in England – in addition to the Bernhard Academy headquarters in Haverhill – and Gleneagles in Scotland. There will also be an interactive online webinar series, which will be delivered live from the Bernhard Academy in Haverhill.

The new programme features educational courses that fall under two categories: Management or Technical. Both categories will cover a range of essential topics to help achieve success in turf maintenance.

The Bernhard Academy Management Series is an interactive and engaging series of workshops that will provide guidance to those in supervisory, middle management, and senior management positions, supporting the transition through their careers. The courses available to book are:

– The power of understanding others: Develop crucial interpersonal skills to foster effective relationships within teams and with stakeholders
– Using data and information for solid decision making: Learn how to utilise data for well-informed decision-making in turf management

– Principles of innovation and how to generate great ideas in the workplace: Explore the foundations of innovation and techniques for generating creative ideas in a professional setting
– Managing finance, prepare and control budgets: Learn the fundamentals of budgets and how to deliver to your business needs
– Stakeholder communication and engagement techniques that work: Master the art of stakeholder management, a critical aspect of successful turf maintenance projects
– Transparent project management tools to achieve great results: Acquire project management skills to plan, execute, and oversee turf-related projects efficiently
– Change – how to prepare and manage effectively: Understand strategies for effectively preparing for and managing organisational change
– Performance management and unlocking maximum productivity: Learn techniques for optimising productivity through effective performance management

Additionally, the Bernhard Academy offers a technical, skills-based course:

– Cutting unit setup and sharpening techniques: This course provides hands-on training in the precise setup and maintenance of cutting units, ensuring agronomic and economical benefits and best quality of turf presentation and health

Craig Haldane, Director of Education for the Bernhard Academy, added: “At the Bernhard Academy, we are committed to empowering individuals in the sports turf and club management industry with the knowledge and skills they need to excel in their roles and careers. Our courses are designed to meet industry demands and have been created to allow attendees to take the next step in their career. We look forward to welcoming passionate participants that are eager to learn and continue driving this great industry forwards.”

Seize the opportunity to enhance your turf maintenance career by securing a place in one of the Bernhard Academy’s educational courses today and embark on a journey of professional growth.

For booking information, course details, registration, and support please visit the new user-friendly Bernhard Academy website: www.bernhardacademy.co.uk

For more information on the Bernhard Academy, you can visit the LinkedIn page: www.linkedin.com/company/bernhard-academy/

You can also find the Bernhard Academy on Twitter at @BernhardAcademy or on Instagram at @bernhard_academy.

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Foley Success at Open Championship Venues

Foley Success at Open Championship Venues: There are few greater events in golf that match The Open. For many greenkeepers, it is the pinnacle of their careers, but to make it a success, tireless work goes on behind the scenes to have mowers ready for cutting each day. 

When the 151st Open begins in the third week of July, every Toro and John Deere mower used at Royal Liverpool will be ground by a Foley under the expert eye of ProSport UK’s Ian Robson. More than ever, speed and accuracy are crucial during a tournament, and it’s then the 633 ACCU-Pro with ACCU-Touch 3 comes into its own.

Foley Success at Open Championship Venues

Foley Success at Open Championship Venues

The machines come with an automated computer system that provides a step-by-step tutorial for new technicians and a quicker setup and spin grind feature for the more experienced operators. You input the details of the unit you’re working on, and it automatically spin or relief grinds to completion. Pre-programmed spin speeds, relief torque, and in-feeds are only a few of the features found in the ACCU-Touch 3 system that ensures efficiency and guarantees a quality grind with every use.

With Foley grinders at four Open Championship venues, Ian knows the importance of tournament support and the difference it makes. “An Open Championship is a unique event that calls for a team effort to make it a success,” Ian explains. “In my experience, it’s an intricately planned but high-pressure environment, and we’re there to make sure everything runs smoothly.

“We want to ensure every unit that goes on the course is at its best because the quality of cut is so important to turf health and the presentation. Using the ACCU-Pro 633 means we can turn around the units quickly and efficiently while always guaranteeing the best quality, and that is the key thing. Course conditions are the biggest variable during a tournament, and we can very easily adjust our grinding to suit what the course team needs.

“Royal Liverpool has had to wait because of the Open rota being put back a year and the redevelopment of the 17th hole, but the work they’ve put into hosting this Championship will be worth it, and we’re proud to be a part of it.”

Being England’s second oldest seaside links comes with a lot of history. Royal Liverpool was the second English course to host the Open Championship in 1897 and hosted the prestigious competition a further nine times before a 39-year gap between 1967 and 2006 when Tiger Woods won the tournament before Rory McIlroy won his first eight years later in 2014.

The club has far from stood still since then, with their new 17th hole aiming to make a name for itself among golfs standout par-3s. Using the Dee Estuary as a backdrop, the well-guarded elevated green could well be a decision maker on who lifts the Claret Jug along with the redesigned over 600-yard par-5 18th.

Open Quality

Royal Liverpool is the second successive Open host to use Foley, following St Andrews, who used the American-made machines during the 150th Open.

Customer support ranks highly at the home of golf, with the personal touch ranking as highly as the ability to provide solutions for Head of Maintenance Lani Togi.

“When it comes to buying machines, it’s not always about the cost of the item; it’s the personal side of things as well,” he said. “You buy from people, and we’ve worked with Ian for many years, and we know we can rely on his backup service.

“One of the biggest things that’s helped us get the results is the Borazon stone we have for the 673 bottom blade grinder. The new Toro E-Reels use a tungsten mixture that makes them very hard, and that stone really cuts it in well. That saves us a lot of problems because previously we would have had to sharpen them again, but now we get it done the first time around.”

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SALTEX registration now open

SALTEX registration now open: Visitor registration for SALTEX 2023, Europe’s largest free sports turf, amenities, and landscaping trade exhibition, is now open. And with it the chance to win a one-night stay at the Moxy Birmingham NEC on the first night of the show.

The theme for 2023 SALTEX is ‘boost your game’ which will see SALTEX focus on providing visitors and exhibitors with all the key tools needed to be successful in the groundscare sector.

SALTEX registration now open

SALTEX registration now open

Sarah Cunningham, director of commercial and events at the Grounds Management Association, the leading not-for-profit organisation organising the show, explains: “At this year’s show, attendees will be supported in boosting their knowledge, career, skills, sales, surface, and network – all of which will result in an industry that is better connected, holds more expertise, and continues to be at the forefront of turfcare around the world.”

Last year’s show brought together over 8,300 visitors from 50 plus countries with the biggest names in the groundscare industry.

Sarah continues: “SALTEX was set up by the industry for the industry, keeping the many different reasons that people attend in mind, at all times. For example, boosting sales is much easier when over 60 percent of visitors attending play a role in the purchasing decision.”

In addition, Sarah confirms, “Visitors can hear from the industry’s leading experts, as well as groundscare professionals from the country’s top sports grounds, covering burning topics in the Learning LIVE seminar programme.

“There will be opportunities to speak to grassroots pitch advisors from the GMA and representatives from the National Governing Bodies to receive technical advice as well guidance on accessing much-needed funding and ways to upskill through the Grounds Management Framework,” she says. “All this is in addition to the unrivalled opportunities to network, earn CPD points and speak to experts offering career advice.”

With soon-to-be-announced exciting new show features making their first appearance at the show, Geoff Webb, CEO of the Grounds Management Association is keen to ensure that SALTEX continues to adapt and cater to the industry’s needs as it has done numerous times over its 76 exhibitions: “All income generated by the show is ploughed back into the industry securing its future for generations to come.

“By attending SALTEX, visitors are supporting the vital year-round work that enables the GMA to invest in important resources for the sector, as well as developing closer and more collaborative relationships with sports bodies that can help create inward investment back into the sector. Registering for your free ticket doesn’t just benefit you, it benefits the industry too.”

Registering now comes with the bonus of being entered into a free prize draw with the first 1,000 people to register as visitors in with a chance to win a one-night stay at the Moxy Birmingham NEC on the first night of the show.

SALTEX takes place at Birmingham NEC on 1-2 November 2023. To secure a free ticket to Europe’s largest and leading sports turf, amenities, and landscaping trade exhibition, register online at https://www.saltex.org.uk/ Competition details and T&Cs can be found at https://bit.ly/3PkITZU

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Battery power from Toro for The Open

Battery power from Toro for The Open: The Open returns to Royal Liverpool Golf Club for the 13th time in July and helping prepare the course for the world’s golfing greats is Toro turfcare machinery.

While most of the machinery fleet at the famous links at Hoylake on the west coast of England is Toro, leading the charge on the greens, tees and surrounds are the Toro eFlex 1021 lithium-ion battery-powered pedestrian greensmowers and Greensmaster eTriFlex 3370 all-electric ride-on greensmowers.

Battery power from Toro for The Open

Battery power from Toro for The Open

A dedicated team of greenkeepers under the watchful eye of links manager James Bledge are making the final preparations to the course and Toro has been there every step of the way. In fact, the last time the club hosted the world’s oldest and most popular golf event in 2013, it had just taken delivery of six eFlex 1021 greensmowers and while plenty has changed since then, what’s stayed the same is the machine still entrusted to look after the greens and tees.

James explains: “We have a new par 3 which will be the biggest change since The Open was last hosted here – it is a very short but challenging hole with stunning views of the estuary and Wales. What hasn’t changed is the club’s commitment to sustainable course management in that we’re always looking for the best carbon-neutral options. And when you find a pedestrian greensmower that provides this level of precision and quality, powered by a battery, you don’t look anywhere else.

“The weather will dictate the greens speed for the week and the work we have done in the last year will ensure we have more control over this. For us that’s six teams of two out doing single and double cuts with the Toro eFlex 1021 pedestrian mowers.”

Joining the pedestrian mowers on the frontline is Toro’s Greensmaster eTriFlex 3370 all-electric ride-on greensmower. While this was the machine of choice for the greens at St Andrews at last year’s championship, at Royal Liverpool Golf Club it’s being used on the tees and surrounds.

James continues: “The eTriFlex 3370 is more than capable of achieving the standard required on the greens, as we saw so masterfully demonstrated at St Andrews last year. It is quite literally one of the best machines made and it’s a great greens choice, but with the acute run-offs on our course, hand cutting is the best bet.”

Despite the reliable machinery choices, that’s a lot of trust to put in the greens team to ensure a consistency of cut across the board for the eyes of the world surely. James agrees: “The greenkeepers are the heroes here. They’re the ones out there putting in the hours and miles; they are an extremely talented team.”

When James accepted the role of links manager in December 2021 the first thing on his to-do list was to prepare for The 151st Open and what could have been a baptism of fire for many was a dream role for James.

“I’ve been waiting for an opportunity like this,” he says. “Creating the most diverse volunteer team handpicked from all the best places, bringing together someone from every championship venue, having mentors from across the world to turn to and having the best brands and businesses to work with has been rewarding and will be an incredible opportunity for everyone involved. It’s great to see everyone come together with the common goal to put on the best event possible.”

Machinery dealer Cheshire Turf Machinery who has worked with Royal Liverpool for over 20 years and Toro’s UK distributor Reesink Turfcare will be providing extensive championship support and a fleet of Toro machines for the duration of the historic event.

Steve Halley, managing director of Cheshire Turf Machinery, says: “It really has been striking how enthusiastic and excited James and his team are about staging The Open. We are delighted to support their efforts to make the event as successful as possible.”

Jon Cole, divisional business manager at Reesink Turfcare, comments: “It’s a privilege to be a part of The 151st Open and supporting the team at Royal Liverpool throughout the Championship again. We have worked with at least 30 of the 40 host venues of The Open that have taken place in our 40 years as Toro distributor and to be involved is always an honour.”

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John Deere to open doors to the talent of tomorrow

John Deere to open doors to the talent of tomorrow: John Deere will hold an open day at its Apprentice Training Centre this May in a bid to recruit the next generation of technicians to work across its agriculture, turf and parts business.

The company’s revered and respected apprenticeship programme has been running for more than 30 years, helping more than 1,200 apprentices qualify through on-the-job practical learning alongside classroom studies.

John Deere to open doors to the talent of tomorrow

John Deere to open doors to the talent of tomorrow

The John Deere Training Centre at Upper Saxondale, near Nottingham, opened last year, providing state-of-the-art facilities where apprentices complete their two or three-year course while simultaneously working within the John Deere dealership network.

“It’s a really exciting time to be part of the agricultural and turfcare industries,” says Allan Cochran, John Deere Branch Training Manager.

“It’s a highly technical and innovative sector, which means our apprentices get to work with some of the most advanced pieces of kit in the world.

“It’s not just servicing and fixing tractors. If you want to earn while you learn and be part of a huge, global brand with a reputation for ground-breaking innovations, then a John Deere apprenticeship could be the perfect start to your career.”

John Deere to open doors to the talent of tomorrow

John Deere to open doors to the talent of tomorrow

John Deere and the scheme’s training provider, ProVQ, will provide a tour of the training centre on Wednesday 3 May and Thursday 4 May, offering those interested in becoming apprentices the chance to meet the instructors, see the facilities, learn about the John Deere brand, and hear how their careers can grow with the world’s largest manufacturer of agricultural and groundscare equipment.

Sessions will last up to two hours and will outline what John Deere can offer a prospective apprentice, the journey through the Ag Tech, Turf Tech or Parts Tech programmes, plus the John Deere career path once certified.

“This is a unique opportunity to view the learning facilities on offer and talk to those who know all about the programmes,” says Mr Cochran.

The three John Deere apprenticeship programmes include Ag Tech – focusing on agricultural machinery, Turf Tech – focusing on professional turf equipment, and Parts Tech – focusing on parts service and support.

The events are free to attend but you must pre-book a session as places are limited.

To book visit: jdapprenticeships.eventbrite.co.uk

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Kubota and Broekman Logistics open new location

Kubota and Broekman Logistics open new location: Kubota and Broekman Logistics opened a new distribution centre in Weert on Friday 14 April 2023. In the presence of the Japanese ambassador, a delegation from Kubota and Broekman Logistics performed the opening.

In the 62,000 m² state-of-the-art warehouse, Broekman Logistics facilitates storage, final assembly and also outbound logistics for Kubota Baumaschinen GmbH, part of Kubota Construction Machinery Division. Broekman Logistics also handles the Complete Knocked Down (CKD) of production parts from Weert to Kubota’s production plant in Zweibrucken (D).

Kubota and Broekman Logistics open new location

Kubota and Broekman Logistics open new location

Kubota and Broekman Logistics have been working together since 2006, initially from a European Distribution Centre (EDC) in Sittard. The entire operation moved to an existing Broekman location in Born in 2008, where a total of 40,000 m2 of new construction was built for Kubota. In good cooperation with Kubota, Broekman Logistics decided in 2019 to develop the new building location in Weert

Further efficiency
Further efficiency has been achieved in the new warehouse in Weert. The new set-up features an optimised layout of logistics and assembly operations, shortening lead times and facilitating future growth for Kubota. In addition, the building contributes to further sustainability, to which both parties attach great importance. For instance, large buffer tanks have been placed around the building to collect rainwater. Among other things, this is used for the green surroundings and the 100-year-old trees around the property.

Improving customer satisfaction
Toshitaka Matsuo, President of Kubota Baumaschinen GmbH, says: “The move to the new distribution centre in Weert is a big step forward for Kubota and symbolizes our partnership with Broekman Logistics. This expansion represents a significant investment of business activities and will not only help us further improve our current range of services, but also increase the satisfaction of dealers, distributors and ultimately, end customers. ”

Cherishable cooperation
Rik Pek, Managing Director Broekman Logistics: “The relationship with Kubota is very dear to us as a company, but also to me personally. After consecutive years of growth, it was time to further intensify our cooperation and provide Kubota with a state-of-the-art warehouse. I have been experiencing for years how well the values of our companies match. We are both very entrepreneurial, pay attention to people and value long-term relationships. We are very enthusiastic about the current cooperation with Kubota and look forward to continuing this in Weert.”

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