Construction, Features

Business profile: Diggalink

Diggalink is now the main distributor for Wacker Neuson's range of excavation and materials handling equipment for the New Zealand market, including excavators, skid steer loaders, wheeled and tracked loaders, articulated wheel loaders, and telehandlers.

John Giltrap, principal of Diggalink, has a 30-year history in the compact machinery and excavation business. As a widely regarded and knowledgeable figure in the industry, it was no small thing when he decided to expand his product portfolio to give the European-manufactured range its first step into the New Zealand market and commit his company to the Wacker Neuson brand of machines.

Target acquired

Andy Evans, Wacker Neuson regional president ANZ, is delighted Giltrap has agreed to come on board. “Prior to bringing the machines into New Zealand, we did a fair amount of market research and Diggalink was on the top of our list of potential sole dealers. Its key branch locations of Christchurch, Taupo, and soon-to-be-opening Auckland branches, backed up by the extensive industry experience of Giltrap and his team make it an ideal fit in my eyes.”

Evans adds, “The fact that Diggalink is a family-run business also sat well with the core values of Wacker Neuson, so I’m convinced we are a partnership that will prosper as better times are returning to the market.”

Impressive machines

Giltrap is equally convinced. “We first saw these machines at Bauma in Germany and we were very impressed. They are superbly engineered and with the technological advances some of the machines have, they are very well suited to our market,” he says.

“They’re strong, craftsman built, and for once a manufacturer has thought about servicing — on that point they’re unbeatable.”

Giltrap and his team didn’t make the decision to join Wacker Neuson solely on the basis of the quality of the machines. “We personally liked the machines but for me, just as importantly, the people at Wacker Neuson are great to deal with,” he adds.

“Everything we’ve asked for, they’ve supplied and we’re looking forward to a long and happy association.

“We see the Wacker Neuson products as also a good fit with our existing Yuchai product range from China, which is now proven in New Zealand.”

The range

Diggalink will have sole New Zealand distribution of the Wacker Neuson excavation, skid steer, dumpers and materials handling range across its branches. The Wacker Neuson light equipment range of concrete, compaction, demolition, and pump and power products will continue to be distributed throughout the country by New Zealand Compact Machinery, based in Auckland and Christchurch.

About the Wacker Neuson Group

Founded in 1848, the Wacker Neuson Group is a leading manufacturer of construction equipment and compact machines, with more than 40 affiliates, 140 sales and service stations, and over 12,000 sales and service partners worldwide.

Evans says Wacker Neuson is the partner of choice among professional users in construction, gardening and landscaping, and agriculture, as well as among municipalities and companies in industries, such as recycling and energy. It also offers a global spare parts service. The Wacker Neuson Group includes the product brands Wacker Neuson, Kramer, and Weidemann. In 2013, the Group achieved preliminary revenue of EUR 1.16 billion and employed over 4100 people worldwide.

For more information visit wackerneuson.com or contact Diggalink on 0800 344 425 or visit diggalink.co.nz

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