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With a record sales year under its belt, Husqvarna looks ahead with high hopes for 2003. The equipment manufacturer has projected a 10 percent increase in sales for the year.
“Our significant jump in 2002 sales can be attributed to the introduction of 50 new products and our focus on the landscaper market,” explained Barbara Paez, director of marketing, Husqvarna, noting the company’s emphasis on the commercial landscaper niche. “We are making efforts to continue that trend this year.”
And continue the manufacturer will.
Specifically, Husqvarna has made plans to beef up its sales team – by dividing its national market into additional regional territories. This move is a step toward keeping up with the company’s remarkable growth and Total Source product opportunities. Changes, designed to provide greater service and support to Husqvarna Total Source and Crown Meridian dealers across the country, will kick in Feb. 1.
Husqvarna has boosted its number of designated sales markets in the United States, aligning markets based on demographics. The smaller, more identifiable markets will allow the manufacturer to be more regionally minded in terms of sales, support and programs for dealers. The reorganization will also strengthen the company’s efforts to enhance the development of metropolitan markets and commercial product sales.
And to maintain this increase in the number of markets and new products, Husqvarna is growing its sales staff. The company plans to add market business development managers and professional product specialists to its selling team.
“We believe that with the creation of our targeted geographic markets plus the addition of resources, we can provide higher service levels to our dealers,” explained David Zerfoss, president of Husqvarna. “These changes support and complement our corporate purpose of helping our dealers to grow and prosper. They will also support and align with new initiatives brought on by future acquisitions.”
The author is Assistant Editor – Internet for Lawn & Landscape magazine and can be reached at aanderson@lawnandlandscape.com.