Kubota (UK) Ltd is pleased to announce that Lister Wilder is to further expand its operation with the addition of OEM engine supply from its Ashford, Guildford and Reading branches, for customers operating Kubota powered machinery.
This latest addition makes Lister Wilder the first full-line Kubota dealer in Europe, and follows the recent announcement that the family-run dealership is to refocus entirely on the Kubota brand having already secured business with agriculture, groundcare and construction divisions.
“This expansion further strengthens Kubota’s commitment to its customers and the markets in which we operate,” explains David Hart, managing director of Kubota (UK). “As a full-line dealer, Lister Wilder will be in a very strong position to make the future investments required in facilities, technology and staff, to actively support our customers throughout these important industry sectors.”
Having successfully represented Kubota from its branches in Ashford, Guildford, Reading and Cirencester, the firm’s next phase of expansion is impressive. A multi-million pound investment plan will see the first of its new Kubota centres designed and built during 2021, along with the planned redevelopment of existing depots, starting with its Reading premises.
It is expected that the business expansion plans will also create a host of new jobs within sales, after-sales and service, plus parts and warranty departments, stimulating the local ecomonies in which Lister Wilder operates.
“Lister Wilder is delighted to have received the entire Kubota franchise, to operate across its branches, which extend across the southern part of the country,” says company director and co-owner Charlie King.
“This strategic move allows us to focus our efforts on delivering expert service and aftersales support across all divisions. Our ambitions are now completely in line with that of Kubota and that makes for a very strong partnership and an exciting future.”
“Around 50% of our business was already Kubota related with groundcare and construction products, and the addition of Kubota’s agricultural and engine divisions gives us huge potential to grow the Kubota brand across our region,” he added.
Lister Wilder is a wholly-owned family business that was established in 1947. Now in its third generation, the company has evolved to become a well-known and well-respected name throughout the industry, recently winning the Service Dealer’s agricultural and groundcare Dealer of the Year awards. Its Kubota groundcare business dates back to 1995, and was followed by expansion with Kubota construction equipment in 2001. Its first Kubota centre was created three years ago in Ashford, Kent, and forms the blueprint for future development.
Header image: Kubota (UK) managing director David Hart (left) with Lister Wilder company director Charlie King (right).
