Krone distributor, Farmhand, will supply machines to assist with site preparations for the ‘Great Grass Event’, which will take place near Trim, Co. Meath on Saturday, May 6.
The event will involve a world record attempt, whereby 100ac of grass will – hopefully – be picked up in 10 minutes, with as many self-propelled foragers as are needed to get the job done.
Combines 4 Charity, best known for its 2012 feat whereby it amassed over 200 (working) combines in one field, is organising the charity fund-raising event.
Also Read: 100 acres of grass in 10 minutes, with as many forage harvesters as can be found…Krone machines will be used to prepare the site, undertaking the mowing and raking. These machines will also be exhibited during the event itself. According to Farmhand, it will be an opportunity to see the latest forage equipment from the German manufacturer – in a ‘hands on’ environment.
Krone turns €1.8 billion last year
Meanwhile, despite what it describes as “a significant downturn in the farm machinery industry and less than ideal conditions in the utility vehicle sector”, the Krone Group increased its turnover during the 2015-2016 financial year.
The Krone Group amassed sales of around €1.8 billion last year, which was higher than the €1.6 billion generated the previous year.
The group has a number of divisions. One involves the manufacture of its own, Krone-branded agricultural machinery – including mowers, tedders, rakes, balers, forage harvesters and self-loading wagons. Another division comprises a network of major dealerships in Germany, selling not just Krone equipment but also John Deere tractors and other machinery.
Huge truck trailer business
The third division involves the manufacture of commercial (truck) trailers; Krone is among the largest commercial trailer manufacturers in Europe.
Commercial trailer sales increased slightly last year to €1.2 billion, generating €363 million in Germany alone. Krone’s home market continues to be the most important individual market for commercial trailers.
Sales of agricultural equipment
Agricultural machinery sales, too, increased – to €569 million last year (up from €555 million the previous year). Almost 25% of these sales were generated in Germany. Western European markets, including Ireland, contributed 33%. North America accounted for 21%, while Eastern Europe notched up 10%. The rest of the world accounted for 11%.
The largest share of turnover (in terms of monetary value) was accounted for by the BiG line products – the self-propelled BiG X forage harvesters, the self-propelled BiG M mowers and the Krone big baler and round baler models. This is not surprising, considering the relatively high unit cost of such machines.
Last year, the group employed over 4,200 people in all its operations around the world, including more than 260 apprentices. The was up substantially on the previous year, mainly due to an expansion of Krone’s commercial trailers division.