Original replacement parts for Grimme potato and root crop machinery are to be distributed by after-market specialist Spaldings throughout the UK and Ireland to complement the service provided by Grimme’s established dealer networks.
The strategic collaboration marks a new approach for both companies as machinery manufacturers face increasing competition for their parts business from makers of non-genuine alternatives.
Announcing details at the company’s dealer conference, Patrick Graf Grote, Grimme UK managing director, said: “Over the years, Grimme dealers have done a great job of supporting our customers in all areas, in particular with after-sales support and especially in meeting peak seasonal demand for fast-moving items like wearing parts.
“This great service will continue to grow throughout our dealer network – and will be enhanced through our agreement with Spaldings because it will extend our parts distribution reach to areas of the UK and Ireland beyond our existing network.”
For Spaldings, having supplied all makes of after-market alternatives over many years, this first parts distribution deal with a machine manufacturer marks a change of approach.
“Our experience has shown that for Grimme machines, the only realistic option to maintain reliability and efficient operation is to use genuine parts,” said Spaldings managing director Steve Constable.
“We’re not going up against Grimme dealers but complementing their service, supplying original products to customers who would normally choose the grey import route so they benefit from the best quality parts backed by first class technical knowledge and service.”
The new agreement covers all types of replacement parts for Grimme seedbed preparation equipment, such as ridgers and stone/clod separators, planters, harvesters and handling equipment.
Users can place orders by calling the Spaldings telesales line or by contacting one of the company’s regional sales specialists, after which long-established expertise in logistics will provide rapid order turn-around.
Spaldings staff will provide technical back-up regarding parts issues after a series of intensive product training sessions at Grimme UK headquarters in Lincolnshire.
Mr Graf Grote believes this new deal with Spaldings will offer UK and Ireland potato and root crop growers increased convenience and value when sourcing original Grimme parts.
He said: “We believe our parts provide exceptional value for money given their extended wear and performance characteristics, and we now look forward to working with Spaldings and our dealers to deliver the best possible after-market parts service.”
Mr Constable notes that the collaboration between Spaldings and Grimme UK is part of a new strategy that builds on the company’s existing experience and product choice to provide customers with the best service in terms of professionalism, product range, quality and value.
