Well-known machinery distributor/dealership Atkins will host a McHale and Kubota ‘demo day’ in Watergrasshill, Co. Cork, tomorrow, Thursday, July 25.
It comes amid ongoing speculation about a possible relocation of the company’s existing headquarters (on the Carrigrohane Road on the outskirts of Cork City).
Atkins’ managing director Mark Wolfe (pictured below) said: “I can confirm that there is a medium-term plan involving a relocation. We bought a site in Watergrasshill earlier this month.
In fact, the field being used for tomorrow’s demonstration – just off the M8 motorway at Junction 17 [northbound] – actually incorporates the site we have purchased.
“It will be the biggest demonstration Atkins has ever hosted – outside Co. Offaly. It will come with the added intrigue of christening what we hope will be our future new home.”
According to Mark, there will be over a dozen tractors at the event. Each will be paired with a different implement from the McHale and Kubota portfolios.
He explained: “This looks like it will be a serious statement of strength from these two brands.
“While few haven’t seen a Fusion [baler-wrapper] working, it will be interesting to see McHale’s ‘butterfly’ mowers and a revised McHale rake tackle grass that hasn’t been mowed yet this year.”
Kevin O’Riordan – the Kubota salesperson at Atkins (Cork) – added his comments, saying: “With six different models from Kubota’s M7 range alone – spanning 130hp to 170hp with manual and CVT transmissions – it’ll be an opportunity to gauge just how far this ambitious manufacturer has come.
“Other products – including balers, wrappers, handlers, a mulcher, a utility vehicle and a fleet of smaller 90-130hp tractors – will also be working.”