Takeuchi - Profile


“We’ve seen steady and continuous growth from the start, and current figures show sales in the region of 3000,” Holly begins.


“It was growing constantly, but then we had the 2008 recession and sales went slightly awry for a while (mimes an imaginary roller- coaster). Shipments dropped off too, but the UK market has fully recovered now. Ultimately we are controlled by what Takeuchi can manufacture in Japan. However, as soon as new machines come in they go straight out again,” adds Holly.


On that note, Mr Arai is introduced. He took over as Takeuchi UK MD in March 2021, succeeding Tamaru Tomonori, who held the same position beforehand, and is now looking after the French division. Arai-san has been with company for some time too, as he describes:


“I joined Takeuchi in 1999, but I’ve been involved in the earthmoving industry since leaving school. Initially, I was working in the sales department, looking after customers in Europe, America and Australia, and helping with product support. There were a few changes at the head office in Japan, so I was sent to the UK,” he says.


machinery, though, as I also need to ensure that customers keep on using Takeuchi products. So we must provide a good enough support service to keep Takeuchi machines in a great condition.


“In order to do this, I need to lead an effective sales team and establish strong relationships with customers and dealers. Our service and technical staff also need to have good relationships, in order to act quickly if a customer has a problem.


“I value the frank feedback of our customers, as this valuable information will help to determine how machines are used, and it will help in the development of future products.”


And has Takeuchi specified any particular sales targets?


“Some companies change their distributors if they don’t get good enough results, but this is not good for customers, who might worry about product support,” he says. “I haven’t been given any targets, but I need to maintain sales at the same level. Meanwhile, Takeuchi has a good reputation and has many longstanding relationships with its


Takeuchi's 'Kardex' is great for storing small parts. Orders are input on a screen, and Kardex sorts


through a stacked inventory, then doors slide open and a tray containing the parts slides out.


learned from this market influenced product development?


“The 3.5 tonne weight limit for trailer tow machines is something we have learned from. So we have recently developed a machine to meet this regulation. Ultimately, we pay attention to our customers’ needs,” he answers.


There is also an increasing demand for hybrid-fuelled and battery-powered equipment. How is Takeuchi responding?


“I can say that Takeuchi is currently developing a battery-operated machine,” says Arai-san. “We have exhibited such a product at Bauma many years ago, but this is a new technology and we have not yet put it into full production. Hopefully, it will be mass produced in the very near future.”


Takeuchi's UK HQ in Rochdale.


“It’s very different to Japan, where the houses are much closer together, but there’s a lot more space here. Under normal circumstances, I might have been able to enjoy it a bit more. The weather in Rochdale is lovely (laughs).”


Back to business, then, and with Arai-san being sent over from Takeuchi HQ and being rather new to the role of MD, what are his goals?


“Takeuchi has a philosophy to make customers happy by using our products. So one side of my role is making sure that we have enough machinery to satisfy the UK market. It’s is not enough just to supply


dealer network,”


“We have a 20 dealer network, and dealers such as Bow (formerly Arrow Plant) and Webb Plant Sales have been with us since the beginning,” adds Holly. “Takeuchi’s network has expanded over the years. Scotland has only joined in the last ten years, as they concentrated on England first, but nearly 90 percent of Takeuchi business comes through our dealer network, and we don’t have many direct accounts – Eagle Plant and Hirebase are two prominent examples.”


With the UK ranking as one of Takeuchi’s main European territories, has anything


“Battery technology is expensive at the moment. We have hybrids, with the 210 and the 216 micros, but I think it will be many years before such machinery becomes more widespread. We do not have a specific date to become emission-free, but we are working on it.” He concludes.


And that’s where we leave it. My thanks to Holly and Mr Arai for an excellent morning and an excuse to return to the ‘Dale – it really is the centre of the UK when you look at it as a whole! In the meantime, Takeuchi might not be rushing towards a battery- powered future, but perhaps that is a wise approach when prices are high and much of the power required is not generated in a sustainable way. All that aside, it’s machinery is well-specced, well regarded and rather lovely to behold. n


June/July 2021 - Executive Hire News 25


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