News Releases January 14, 2019
John Deere Construction & Forestry and Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd. End Distribution Agreement in Australia
Brisbane, Queensland, Australia (Jan. 14, 2019) — Today, John Deere Construction & Forestry and Hitachi Construction Machinery (Australia) Pty Ltd. (HCA) agreed to end a successful 29 year distribution arrangement of Deere branded and manufactured construction, forestry, and compact machinery in Australia. As the joint businesses expanded over the years, so have each company's priorities in various markets around the globe.
"John Deere Construction & Forestry Company (Deere) and Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd. (Hitachi) have a long and successful global partnership spanning multiple continents and product lines," said Dan Fitzpatrick, global director of construction & forestry sales outside of the Americas. "This partnership served both companies well and supported each company's global growth over the multi-decade relationship. Over the course of the next five months Deere and HCA will work together to execute a seamless transition of business to John Deere Limited's newly appointed construction and forestry dealers in Australia."
As of May 1, 2019, RDO Equipment Pty Ltd (RDO Equipment) will be appointed the authorized John Deere Construction & Forestry Dealer for John Deere Limited in New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, and the Northern Territory. AFGRI Equipment Pty Ltd. (AFGRI) will be appointed the authorized John Deere Construction & Forestry dealer for John Deere Limited in Western Australia.
"John Deere Limited, HCA, RDO Equipment and AFGRI are committed to working together to ensure this transition has minimal impact on customers' access to machines, parts, and/or service," said Fitzpatrick. "Similarly, John Deere Limited, HCA, RDO Equipment and AFGRI are committed to smoothly transitioning customers who have existing agreements and service contracts with HCA. We believe this change in distribution will allow both companies to increase focus on their respective brands and provide a world class experience to customers across Australia."
The changes announced in this press release have no impact on Deere and Hitachi's partnerships or distribution arrangements outside of Australia.
About Deere & Company:
Deere & Company (NYSE: DE) is a world leader in providing advanced products and services and is committed to the success of customers whose work is linked to the land - those who cultivate, harvest, transform, enrich and build upon the land to meet the world's dramatically increasing need for food, fuel, shelter and infrastructure. Since 1837, John Deere has delivered innovative products of superior quality built on a tradition of integrity. For more information, visit John Deere at its worldwide website at JohnDeere.com or in Australia at JohnDeere.com.au.
Media Contact:
Kyle Rubeling, imre
Worldwide Construction & Forestry Division
P.O. Box 8806
Moline, IL 61266-8806
410-821-8220
kyler@imre.com
