Reunions and new partnerships for Rokbak at AED 2023
Articulated hauler manufacturer builds new relationships as it looks to expand in North American market
ROKBAK say the new year curtain-raiser that was the Associated Equipment Distributors Summit provided them with the perfect opportunity to promote 2022 highlights and build meaningful connections for an even better 2023.
Motherwell-based Rokbak swapped one windy city in Scotland for the US’ Windy City to meet with equipment distributors and industry experts at the Associated Equipment Distributors (AED) Summit in Chicago, Illinois. Held from 10–12 January, the event took place at the Hyatt Regency Hotel close to the banks of Lake Michigan.
An annual convention designed specifically for equipment distributors that aims to advance the industry through networking, education and leadership, Rokbak’s participation at the AED Summit highlighted the articulated hauler manufacturer’s commitment to the North American market and comes ahead of the company’s attendance at Conexpo 2023 in Las Vegas in March.
At the AED Summit the Rokbak team discussed the growing Stateside demand for the RA30 and RA40 articulated haulers after a successful 2022. During the last year, Rokbak have expanded their trusted, experienced dealer network – which has further helped the company’s machines make their mark in North America – and this is something Rokbak plan to continue in 2023.
The AED Summit also provided the opportunity to develop new partnerships and hold individual meetings with Rokbak’s already-established US dealers.
‘The AED Summit allows dealers, manufacturers and vendors to converse with each other about what transpired in the previous year and the outlook for the future,’ said Bob Brucken, chief operating officer of Rokbak dealer Diamond Equipment Inc.
‘The event gave the attendees from Diamond Equipment the opportunity to meet with the manufacturers we represent, including Rokbak, where we had very fruitful discussions. There was an air of positivity throughout the meeting regarding the current market and the industry as a whole.’
Organised by AED – an international trade association representing companies involved in the distribution, rental and support of equipment used in construction, mining, forestry, power generation, agriculture and industrial applications – Rokbak were a silver sponsor of the event and part of the closing dinner on 12 January, where the guest of honour was former US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.
‘We’ve had a great experience at AED with positive feedback from both our current and potential new dealers,’ said Robert Franklin, Rokbak’s director of sales – Americas. ‘It was an excellent chance straight into the new year to promote our products and our brand and get feedback from the North American market. We were able to engage with our current dealers and build new relationships as we look to expand our network in this important market.’
