A new Kramer and KUHN dealer is set to be located in Somerset following the acquisition of Smart Ag Services Ltd. by Hunt Forest Group
This decision helps align the business with its parent company so that customers experience more consistency across the trading area.
JCB decided to terminate the dealer agreement held by Smart Ag Services following the purchase of the company.
“During the transition of the business to Hunt Forest, it was planned to continue with all of Smarts suppliers,” commented managing director of Smart Ag Services, Colin Smart.
“It is a surprise that JCB should take such a dramatic decision when Smarts remain in business and our wish was to continue what I considered to be a very successful relationship.
We are a business that is well known for customer satisfaction and outstanding support, which partnering franchises have without doubt benefited from to build excellent levels of market share.
“The product is only part of the story and Smarts as a business has been instrumental in the success of JCB, with market share well in excess of 65%.”
Although the agreement to supply JCB machines ended on March 12, JCB has requested Smarts continue to supply parts and service support and warranty coverage through its network of technicians for the next six months.
‘A highly reliable and quality product’
Paul Burnett, business development director of Hunt Forest, said: “In Kramer we have a highly reliable and quality product that we excel with in our current area.
Using this recipe of staff attitude, knowledge and understanding of what customer support really means, I have no doubt Smarts can replicate that success with Kramer.
“After completing a business-wide product roadshow for all staff, we are in great shape to hit the ground running and very much look forward to inviting new and existing customers to experience the Kramer product,” added Burnett.
“The company has a large level of stock with demonstrators available, and all HFG machines are also supplied in special colours to signify that we can offer something a little different.
“To prove that, we will support all new sales with a four-year or 4000hr warranty funded by Hunt Forest as an introductory offer until July.”
Sian Pritchard, managing director of KUHN UK added:
We’re delighted to be able to make the KUHN brand more accessible to customers in Somerset and to strengthen our relationship with Hunt Forest Group.
“Hunt Forest’s expertise and professional approach to sales and aftersales support in the farming and groundcare sectors is highly compatible with that of KUHN UK.”
