OPEI News: Kawasaki Modifies Distribution Channel

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – At the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute Expo in Louisville, Ky., July 19-20, Kawasaki announced it would be switching to dealer-direct distribution for its hand-held power equipment. The change became effective on August 1.

Eliminating distributors and working directly with dealers resulted from a shift of responsibilities within the company and the desire to simplify operations, related Megan Bennett, marketing coordinator, Kawasaki Motors, Grand Rapids, Mich. “It benefits the dealer and allows us to better the resources and services we’re providing,” she said. The restructuring does not reflect any dissatisfaction with the distributors themselves, just the need to reevaluate systems and better facilitate communication, Bennett continued.

Overall, although the year has presented economic challenges, Kawasaki has seen positive growth in units sold this year, said Chris Joos, account executive for the Falls Agency, Minneapolis, Minn.  “We think the economy is on a rebound,” he said. “People were scared, but now they’re back.”

The author is Assistant Editor – Lawn & Landscape magazine and can be reached at kmohn@lawnandlandscape.com.