Aggregate Industries choose Komatsu
MARUBENI-Komatsu Ltd (MKL) have been awarded preferred-supplier status by Aggregate Industries UK, in a deal which could see in excess of 40 units being supplied by the end of 2005.
Machines will be delivered to Aggregate Industries’ sites throughout the UK, from Stornoway in the Hebrides to Stoneycombe in Devon, with the largest single delivery of six units –– three WA470-5 and one WA480-5 mid-range wheel loaders, together with two WA500-3 large wheel loaders –– destined for the company’s Northern Region .
According to senior buyer Dominic Connolly, Aggregate Industries’ sourcing strategy was based on a number of criteria. ‘We considered the total package when deciding to appoint Marubeni-Komatsu as our preferred supplier, with factors such as machine quality, cost and service support being central to our decision.’
A client/supplier working party was established to ensure that the correct machines were delivered to the required specification. During the selection process Aggregate Industries worked closely with MKL’s depot at Chester-le-Street to develop an enhanced health and safety specification, including inspection-bay lighting, Isolocks to prevent accidental start-up, and additional anti-slip panels, roof lights and mirrors.
‘We also identified the duties that were required at each site and matched the machinery to the tasks – effectively we came up with an Aggregate Industries specification,’ said northern area production manager John Eustace.
Commenting on the announcement, Allen Smith, director/general manager of Marubeni-Komatsu, said the company was delighted to have been chosen by Aggregate Industries, but he added that equipment performance and productivity were only part of the story.
‘During the tender process, Aggregate Industries emphasized that they were also looking at the equipment in terms of the total cost of ownership – this included service, repair, maintenance and parts back-up, and I believe that our nationwide customer-support capability played a significant role in securing the order,’ he said.
