Merlo, the Italian manufacturer of telehandlers in both the agricultural and construction fields, is to reorganise its sales and distribution arrangements in Ireland.
Currently, the company is represented by McHale Plant Sales, which has depots in Dublin and Co. Tipperary.
This 10-year-old arrangement is to draw to a close and be replaced by a network of dealerships throughout Ireland.
These dealerships will sell machines into both industries, following a model that Merlo has already established in several European countries, which is designed to increase the company’s market share.
Chief executive officer (CEO) and president of Merlo Group, Paolo Merlo said that:
“The Irish telescopic handler market continues to grow year-on-year, which is very encouraging” adding that “as a family-owned and progressive business, we are committed to increasing our presence globally and Ireland is a key part of our future plans”.
The McHale Plant Sales partnership with Merlo Group will conclude in the coming months and the brand will take control of distribution of products, parts, services across the ROI thereafter.
Merlo
Now best known for its telehandler range, the Merlo Group also produces other construction equipment, such as concrete mixers and tracked dumpers.
Specialist tractors for municipal work also feature in the range, but the company is not involved in the agricultural market other than in the telehandler segment.
In 1966, it started manufacturing equipment in its own right, with dumpers and off road concrete mixers being the first products.
This was followed in 1981 by its first telehandler, the SM30.
Since that date, Merlo has continued to develop and invest in telehandler innovation, with the Turbofarmer range being introduced in 1996.
These machines are specifically aimed at the agricultural market and will be of greatest interest to Irish farmers.