Leading construction equipment distributor, Shellplant, has surpassed the 5,000 sales mark for its Kubota mini-excavator range. Based in Northamptonshire, the company has been partnered with Kubota for some 25 years. Shellplant celebrated its 1,000th sale in 2011 and has since seen the demand for Kubota mini-excavators rise rapidly. “We are delighted to reach this considerable Kubota milestone. We thought it fitting to mark our achievement in a positive way, and that is why we will be donating £5,000 to charity,” explains Julian Payne - Partner Shellplant. “The nominated charity is the local Riding for Disabled Group based in Mears Ashby. Their vision is to enrich the lives of disabled people through horses and their aim is to support an extra 10,000 people by 2025 so the money is much needed.”

Reflecting on a partnership with Kubota that spans 25 years, Julian recalls:

“I remember the initial meeting where we agreed to sell 30 units a year. Now we surpass 500 annually, which is fantastic. I do think the rise in popularity around mini-excavators at the turn of the Millennium has played a major role in these numbers, alongside the reliability and popularity of Kubota’s machines.” The momentous 5,000th sale saw a Kubota U56-5 purchased by regular customer Charlie Morson of CM Services Agricultural and Groundwork Ltd, also based in Northamptonshire.

However, Julian remembers the very first Kubota sold, way back in 1997, which was a model K008 micro excavator purchased by Stable Hire of Rushden Northamptonshire. They liked it so much that one month later they took delivery of another identical machine.

“I remember back then we were considering our options on how to grow the business and were talking to Kubota and one of its competitors,” explains Julian. “Ultimately, we made the decision to go with Kubota and have never looked back. Our customers return for the brand specifically, and that is down to great value for money, product reliability and residual value They also trust us to provide a very helpful and attentive service.” Since becoming a dealer for Kubota machines in 1997, Shellplant has won many orders for Kubota excavators, from single buys up to an incredible 110 excavators purchased at one time. Customers broadly range from local groundworkers, to national hirers and blue-chip companies.

“Kubota has certainly been, and continues to be, a great partner to work with. Kubota shares our passion for construction and business, and is very supportive of the work we do,” says Julian. “It’s no coincidence we have grown simultaneously during the 25 years we have worked together. We now look forward to the next 25+ with great enthusiasm.”

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