Kubota Tractor Australia (KTA) have appointed Toshihiko (Toshi) Kawasaki as their new Managing Director. Before Kawasaki moved to Australia, he was managing tractor business for Kubota Tractor Corporation at USA. Kawasaki returned to Kubota Corporation Japan in 2008 prior to his recent arrival at Kubota Tractor Australia’s head office in Melbourne. Kawasaki’s knowledge in agricultural and industrial markets will be beneficial to Kubota Tractor Australia.
Kawasaki believes in the importance of supplying a range of quality equipment through a professional distribution network. While it is vital for Kubota Tractor Australia’s factories to manufacture products to high standards of quality, it is also important that these products are sold and serviced by a group of competent dealers. Kawasaki intends to drive further developments and improvements in both these areas. This will involve importing equipment with specifications suitable to Australian conditions as well as providing their dealers with support in terms of speedy delivery, product support and targeted sales incentives.
The appointment of Kawasaki is the eighth posting of an international Kubota Tractor Australia’s representative to fill the Managing Director’s chair at Kubota Tractor Australia.
According to Kawasaki, the benefit of rotating Japanese Managing Directors ensures a fresh approach and avoids complacency. Drawing experiences in other parts of the world can provide benefits for customers and dealers, as selected aspects of measures employed by Kubota Tractor Australia’s distribution outlets overseas may be modified and introduced into Australia. When dealers are supported by suppliers both parties can benefit. He also believes developing a good relationship with dealers will improve sales outcomes.