Kobelco Construction Machinery USA recently held a dealer meeting at the Woodland’s Resort and Conference Center in The Woodlands, Texas. The meeting started on July 8 and ended the morning of July 10. Forty-three Kobelco dealers were represented at the event by nearly 100 attendees.

“Given the rather recent relaunch of our brand, we are extremely pleased with the turnout at our first official dealer gathering,” said Ron Hargrave, vice president of marketing and sales of Kobelco Construction Machinery USA.

Following an opening night reception and networking event the evening of July 8, was the company’s official ribbon cutting ceremony to its new U.S. headquarters in Houston the next morning. After the ribbon cutting, dealers were given tours of Kobelco’s new offices and parts distribution warehouse. The balance of the day was educational, with dealers learning more about the company’s long term goals, its global approach and its approach as it relates specifically to gaining market share in North America. Additional time was dedicated to discussions surrounding product development, marketing, customer service, warranty, order management and parts.

Pete Morita, president and CEO of Kobelco Construction Machinery USA, specifically addressed how Kobelco will work with dealers in each of their designated territories.

“Our goal is to work with and listen to each and every Kobelco dealer to help improve Kobelco excavators and our internal processes so that we can provide the equipment your customers want and need. We are flexible and nimble and we want to react quickly to the needs of your local marketplace. We will work with you one on one to develop win-win situations so that we can jointly grow Kobelco’s market share and become a market leader.”

Though packed with information, the meeting also provided plenty of time for networking. The night of July 9 was all about having a little fun. Kobelco kicked off a group dinner with a traditional sake barrel ceremony. Select dealers were asked to participate by beating three wooden barrels open with a wooden mallet. Once open, the barrels signified a fresh start for Kobelco in North America. Dealers toasted Kobelco’s new beginning with the sake inside the barrels. Following dinner, dealers participated in a casino night. The meeting wrapped up with a golf outing on the morning of July 10.

“The event had such positive energy from start to finish. That energy stemmed from Kobelco executives who flew in from overseas, to our Kobelco USA employees to each and every dealer who willingly participated in the meeting. This is such a wonderful and exciting time for the company. Dealers are genuinely thrilled to have the true Kobelco back in the United States and Canada. Our passion for innovation and single line focus is something that has been missed by the industry for a very long time,” said George Lumpkins, product marketing manager.

For more information, call 281-888-8430 or visit www.Kobelco-USA.com.

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