Kawasaki gears up Barrus for UK engine role
Leading global manufacturer Kawasaki has appointed EP Barrus as principal engine distributor to serve the UK market.
In what is regarded as a significant development by the Japanese manufacturer to step up its stationary engine business across the grounds-care, turfcare, utility and industrial sectors, Oxfordshire-based Barrus will take on responsibility for sales and aftersales throughout the UK from the beginning of April 2008.
The appointment will build on the previous engine business established and managed across these sectors by Kawasaki Motors UK since 1987. The operation will be co-ordinated by the recently created Kawasaki Motors Europe Engines & Power Products Division offering an extended range of the manufacturers' highly regarded two-stroke and four-stroke engine technology.
"This is undoubtedly one of the most exciting opportunities for Kawasaki's engine business in the UK for many years and has our full backing and support," comments Senior Product Manager for Kawasaki Engines & Power Products Jack Ford.
"This is part of a much bigger European-wide focus on Kawasaki's stationary engine business and by drawing on Barrus's distinguished 90-year distribution history across all of our sectors, I'm confident that this new association is going to be a huge success for this part of our business."
According to John Day, General Manager of EP Barrus's Industrial Division, the distribution deal provides a platform for both companies to grow their businesses in existing and new OEM markets.
"It's the perfect match, a trusted global brand that is all about quality combined with our proven sales distribution network and one of the best aftersales and support services in the industry. We're absolutely delighted about the appointment and now just want to get on with doing the business.
"There are so many synergies between the two companies. The range of engines is vast and this will expand our ability to sell to a wider audience. I see this as the perfect opportunity to combine a premium product choice with the exceptional infrastructure we already have in place at Barrus," he concludes.
Barrus will be working closely with Kawasaki over the coming months to ensure the business transition is smooth. With access to an extended engine product range, the Bicester company will be taking the opportunity to extend the sales and service offering to OEMs and dealers. Among other areas to be addressed will be dealer training programmes and the possibility of extending the existing UK dealer network even further.